Queensland Rugby Union and Buildcorp Finalise Three-Year Partnership Extension Through 2029

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) and construction firm Buildcorp have announced a three-year extension of their commercial partnership, securing the agreement through 2029.

Buildcorp will remain the principal naming-rights partner of the Buildcorp Reds Academy, continuing a multi-year sponsorship that commenced in 2022 to support elite rugby union talent pathways across Queensland.

The Buildcorp Reds Academy operates a three-tier development structure catering to more than 70 high-performance male athletes aged 16 to 20.

The Academy serves as the primary player pipeline for the Queensland Reds Super Rugby Pacific squad, with athletes utilising the Ballymore-based BMS National Rugby Training Centre, a facility constructed and completed by Buildcorp in 2023.

Recent Academy graduates who have transitioned into professional and national representative squads include Queensland Reds players Treyvon Pritchard, Tom Robinson, Finn Mackay, and Australian U18 and U20 representative Taione Taka.

Commenting on the partnership extension, managing director and co-founder of Buildcorp, Tony Sukkar AM, said: “Each season, we see players stepping up to the Reds after foundations have been established in the Buildcorp Reds Academy.”

“It’s similar to how we operate with training, continual learning and establishing company values so it’s not a foreign thing when people step up a level.

“Social responsibility is another Buildcorp value and we see that in the community associations when young players come into the Academy.

“It’s been wonderful to be part of re-energising Ballymore and partnering in the construction of the world-class high-performance facility.

“It’s very satisfying to be involved in the QRU’s plans for long-term success.

“Some faces may change and the way a new coach plays the game but the strong culture at the Reds does not.

“That alignment with our own values at Buildcorp is very reassuring,” Sukkar said.

Emphasising the role Buildcorp plays in underpinning the organisation’s long-term high-performance vision, QRU CEO, David Hanham, added: “We are extremely grateful to be working with a like-minded business such as Buildcorp with long-term success so important to both of us.”

“The Sukkar family have a deep connection and care for rugby.

“With the people at Buildcorp, they have enriched rugby with their support over many years.

“Buildcorp’s support brings the Reds Academy to life. On a broader front, Buildcorp work with a number of QRU partners which shows the value of the commercial partner network we have built.

“We share excitement for what is ahead for Queensland rugby,” Hanham said. 

Commercial Strategy and Community Footprint

The partnership extension expands Buildcorp’s 35-year sponsorship footprint across Australian rugby union, which has formerly included major investments in the Wallaroos national women’s team, Super Rugby Women’s, and ongoing club sponsorships with University of Queensland Rugby Club and Sydney University Football Club. The QRU alignment represents Buildcorp’s first direct investment into a state union pathway program.

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