Darling Downs Hosts Harvey Norman Heart of Rugby Tour to Drive Grassroots Growth

Junior rugby development across regional Queensland received a commercial boost on Sunday as Downlands College welcomed the Harvey Norman Heart of Rugby Regional Tour to the Darling Downs.

Featuring hands-on coaching sessions led by Classic Wallabies Curtis Rona and Shirley Russell AM, the high-profile regional stop forms a vital operational component of a broader national initiative.

Delivered collaboratively by the Australian Rugby Foundation and Rugby Australia with the commercial backing of major retail icon Harvey Norman, the national program encompasses forty regional clinics running throughout the winter months to expand the sport’s junior footprint.

The nationwide tour directly underpins Rugby Australia’s commercial objective to grow registered player numbers by thirty per cent by 2029, strategically timed to leverage the economic and cultural momentum of upcoming major events on home soil in 2027 and 2029.

Harvey Norman’s financial and brand backing extends heavily into the Get into Rugby program, with the national retailer and governing body targeting a doubling of Get into Rugby participation across local community clubs by the end of the decade.

By deploying partnerships directly into regional hubs, the initiative ensures long-term talent pathways and sustainable commercial health for grassroots rugby outside metropolitan centres.

During the visit, young participants aged ten to twelve worked through structured skill development stations and game-based activities coordinated by specialist coaches from Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union.

Beyond player training, the morning session incorporated a targeted junior law review workshop tailored for local coaches, parents, and match officials. This educational component focused on clarifying junior grade laws, fostering consistent rule application, enhancing player safety, and reducing match-day friction across community competitions.

The successful delivery of the Darling Downs leg relied on strong collaboration between regional stakeholders, including host venue Downlands College, tour coordinators, and participating sporting legends.

Queensland Rugby Union leadership acknowledged the invaluable contributions of staff, volunteers, and corporate partners in driving regional engagement.

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