NSWRU, the City of Coffs Harbour Announce Three-Year Partnership

The City of Coffs Harbour, in collaboration with the NSW Rugby Union, has announced a significant three-year partnership aimed at elevating the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby.

This initiative is poised to reinforce the area’s standing as a premier locale for high-calibre sporting events and elite training camps.

The partnership envisions a festival that could emerge as one of Australia’s foremost rugby gatherings, seamlessly integrating elite international fixtures, grassroots competitions, and community-oriented initiatives.

This agreement guarantees that the festival will remain a cornerstone on the Australian rugby calendar, delivering ongoing economic, social, and health benefits to the region.

Moreover, the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby will act as an essential fundraising platform for the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation, contributing to the implementation of various Rugby For Good programs.

Fundraising efforts from the festival will support several key programs, including:

• Rugby In The Park: This initiative aims to establish connections and promote physical activity among individuals facing homelessness and social isolation.
• Kickstart: A programme tailored to engage and empower youth within justice centres through the medium of rugby.
• Get Talkin’: A program aimed at fostering mental health and resilience, using rugby as a conduit for open dialogue and support.

Coffs Harbour boasts exceptional sporting infrastructure, a stunning natural backdrop, and a welcoming community, establishing it as an ideal site for elite teams and significant sporting events with facilities such as C.ex Coffs International Stadium, alongside high-performance training venues, have already witnessed national and international teams: the Japan Development Team, Australian Barbarians, and Australian U20s are all set to make Coffs Harbour their training base during this year’s festival.

Commenting on the partnership, Mayor of Coffs Harbour, Nikki Williams, said: “This festival will be an event that truly excites our community, and we are proud to have the C.ex Coffs International Stadium as the backdrop for elite sporting events.”

“We anticipate showcasing both emerging domestic talent and international players from Japan, providing an unrivalled setting to celebrate all aspects of rugby.

“Ultimately, this three-year partnership will facilitate positive community outcomes through the Rugby For Good initiatives,” Williams said.

 CEO of NSW Rugby Union, Peter Murphy, added: “This partnership represents a pivotal development for rugby in regional NSW.”

“Coffs Harbour has proven itself as a prime destination for elite sport, and with the backing of the City of Coffs Harbour, we can continue to orchestrate an exceptional event that resonates with the entire community.

“The festival will encompass every tier of rugby, ensuring a thrilling experience for fans and participants alike.

“More crucially, it will enable us to raise vital funds to support Rugby For Good programs, impacting lives in meaningful ways,” he said.

The Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby is gearing up to feature:

• Elite international matches, including a clash between Japan A and the Australian Barbarians
• Community engagement initiatives and school programs
• The Coffs Coast Challenge — a standout junior and social rugby tournament
• The Mid North Coast Super Round, welcoming over 2,000 grassroots players
• A Corporate Golf Day and Charity Fundraising Luncheon aimed at supporting mental health workshops and suicide prevention efforts

This promising partnership solidifies the festival’s trajectory for growth and success, further establishing Coffs Harbour as a key destination for rugby and elite sport, all while delivering tangible benefits to the broader community.

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