Queensland Rugby Union Expands Primary School Programs with Queensland Government Support

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has announced a set of initiatives aimed at boosting participation in Rugby Union across the state. This expansion receives support from the Queensland Government, which aims to harness the growing interest in the sport.

Targeted regions for the rollout include Innisfail, Burdekin, Capricorn Coast, Fraser Coast, South Burnett, and Goondiwindi. Through the Play Rugby program, more children will be introduced to Rugby Union, with opportunities structured specifically for primary school students.

Integral to this initiative are training and accreditation pathways for coaches and match officials. These components are designed to enable primary schools to host inter-school carnivals, creating a vital engagement point for young players.

The announcement was made by Sports Minister, Tim Mander, alongside QRU chief executive, David Hanham at Ballymore Stadium.

In 2024, the QRU recorded over 45,000 participants in Rugby Union, with a notable portion stemming from secondary school engagement. The new programs effectively create pathways for primary-aged children, linking their experiences in schools to local junior community clubs.

Minister Mander remarked that the Play Rugby program capitalises on the excitement generated by the upcoming British and Irish Lions Tour, which is a rare event in Australia, occurring only every twelve years.

“The British and Irish Lions bring a momentum that we must leverage.”

“As kids watch top-tier players compete against the Reds and Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium, they will be inspired to engage with Rugby Union more actively,” Minister Mander stated.

He emphasised that the Play Rugby program allows primary school students to experience the sport firsthand, fostering a deeper appreciation and promoting active lifestyles.

Underscoring the importance of this investment, QRU’s general manager of Community Rugby, Gaven Head, added“We are thrilled to implement our Play Rugby programs in communities and demographics that have previously lacked such opportunities.”

“By introducing skill-based training that culminates in non-contact or tackle competitions, we aim to strengthen ties to community clubs,” Head said.

Head described the support as a vital driver for sustainable growth in both school and club participation.

He expressed gratitude towards the Queensland Government for their partnership and anticipated delivering these initiatives in time for the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour.

The QRU plans to highlight these initiatives through a series of activations leading up to the fixture between the Queensland Reds and the British and Irish Lions.

Scheduled events include an open training session today at Ballymore, along with local clubs participating in pre-game clinics, guard of honour activities, and halftime Tri Tag games.

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