Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) and the Australian Rugby Foundation are thrilled to announce a new schools competition, which will kick off in Central Queensland from next week involving over 100 students.
The Mackay Schools Rugby Cup will see six non-traditional Rugby schools compete over six weeks with students in Years 9 and 10.
For most students, this will be their first taste of XVs Rugby, and according to tournament organisers there’s an abundance of excitement.
School Teacher at Holy Spirit College Kyle Danns said: ‘’It’s fantastic that we can now provide some extra channels for kids to play Rugby up here.
‘’The students are really keen to learn more about the game. Some of them have been exposed to Sevens and now have a real appetite for Union.
‘’We’ll also have senior club players coming down to talk to the students and will link them up with our local clubs afterwards.”
The tournament has been made possible through the support of the Australian Rugby Foundation and will run over three years.
It also forms part of the Queensland Schools Strategy which has been mapped out between QRU and Rugby Australia.
‘‘We’re just so grateful to have the opportunity to build Rugby in Mackay through their support,’’ said Danns.
QRU General Manager – Community Rugby Gaven Head said: “We’ve seen the Super Schools Cup format achieve some great success in other regions including the Darling Downs, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Moreton Bay.
“These competitions help introduce Rugby to a new generation of players, and the involvement of local Rugby clubs in the competition has seen participants transition through to both junior and senior club Rugby.
“This competition is sure to provide a boost for junior Rugby in Mackay and it’s great to see the schools come together to provide such an opportunity for their students.”
The inaugural competition kicks off Tuesday October 27.
