Queensland Rugby Union Partners with Gallipoli Medical Research for Anzac Appeal

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has officially announced a new partnership with Gallipoli Medical Research, aimed at bolstering support for Australian Defence Force veterans and their families.

The announcement, made ahead of Saturday’s Anzac Day commemorations, aligns the state’s rugby body with one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit research institutes focused on the long-term health impacts of military service.

Welcoming the collaboration, chief executive of Gallipoli Medical Research, Miriam Kent, said: “Gallipoli Medical Research is delighted to partner with the Queensland Reds this Anzac Day to honour all who’ve served our country, including Queensland Reds players.”

“These funds will directly benefit Australian veterans and their families through our pioneering research,” Kent said.

Emphasising the deep historical ties between the sport and the military, QRU CEO, David Hanham, said: “Queensland rugby has links across more than a century with the men and women who have served Australia.”

“Our Anzac Day match against the Blues is played on a significant day to Australians and it is fitting we can proudly announce our partnership with Gallipoli Medical Research this week,” Hanham said. 

Based at Greenslopes Private Hospital, Gallipoli Medical Researchis globally recognised for its pioneering biopsychosocial research. This work investigates the complex physical, mental, and social transitions of veterans reintegrating into civilian life.

The partnership comes as the Queensland Reds prepare to travel to Christchurch for the “Super Round,” where they will face the Blues in their traditional Anzac Day fixture on Saturday, 25 April 2026. The match serves as a memorial for the more than 60 Queensland Reds players who have served in wartime, including twelve who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Central to the partnership is the Reds’ Anzac jersey, designed by Canterbury, which features 12 poppies on the front to acknowledge the fallen. Funds will be raised for Gallipoli Medical Research through a “Match Worn Shirt” auction following the Saturday clash.

Additionally, Gallipoli Medical Research has been named the charity partner for the 50-50 raffle at the Reds’ next home game against the ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium on May 2.

The legacy of the Reds’ service history includes figures like Llewellyn Evans, Tom Richards MC, and Alex Dingwall MM MID, all of whom landed at Gallipoli on the original Anzac Day. By aligning with Gallipoli Medical Research, the QRU is ensuring that the commercial and cultural platform of Super Rugby contributes directly to the clinical advancement of veteran wellbeing.

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