Cairns State High School recently threw open its gates to Redlynch State High School for a Rugby Gala Day, and the result was exactly the kind of event Secondary Schools Rugby in the Cairns region has been waiting for.
Both schools brought two under 16s 7s teams to the day, giving players from across both campuses the chance to get out on the field and compete in a round robin format. The fast-paced, high-energy nature of 7s made for a brilliant day of rugby, with tries flowing and plenty of new faces getting valuable game time.
But the day didn't stop there. Once the round robin wrapped up, players swapped codes and took to the field for a shortened 15s match, giving everyone involved a taste of the traditional format alongside the shortened game. Having both codes on display in the one day gave students genuine exposure to the different challenges and skill sets that 7s and 15s rugby demand — and judging by the smiles and effort on display, it was a hit with players from both schools.
Days like this are about more than just the scoreline. They're about rebuilding pathways, reconnecting schools, and giving young players in the Cairns region a reason to pick up a rugby ball. This Gala Day is a genuine step forward in reigniting Secondary Schools Rugby locally, and a strong sign of what's possible when schools come together to make it happen.
The momentum doesn't stop here. Plans are already underway for a Primary and Secondary Schools 7s Day in Term 4, opening the door for even more schools and even more players to get involved.
On top of that, FNQ Junior season registrations for the 2026 Term 4 season will be opening soon. Keep an eye on FNQ Rugby's social pages for sign-on details — now's the time to get the kids ready to lace up the boots.
If your school would be interested in hosting a Rugby Gala Event or support for Sporting Schools, get in touch with North Queensland Regional Rugby Manager Rob Hall at robert.hall@reds.rugby.
Let's keep the momentum going and get rugby thriving in schools right across the Cairns region.
