A sense of pride, purpose, and possibility swept through North Queensland recently as Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) joined forces for a First Nations Development Tour across Cairns, Abergowrie, and Townsville.
More than just a rugby trip, the initiative brought together culture, community and connection, combining leadership workshops, talent identification sessions, and hugely popular Deadly 7’s Secondary Schools in Townsville.
The tournament saw over 18 teams take the field across boys and girls U14, U16 and U18 divisions, with many schools and players trying the exciting sevens format for the very first time.
For QRU Indigenous Strategies Manager Dylan Blackman, the tour was about more than finding the next big star, it was about empowering young people to believe in themselves and their futures.
“For us, it’s about giving young people a chance to see what’s possible,” Dylan said. “When they see people from their own communities succeeding, it builds belief that they can do it too.”
In a fitting full-circle story, Dylan was once a 15-year-old participant in similar programs coached by National Sevens Player, come Rugby Australia’s First Nations Rugby Manager, Matthew Sonter, who now partners with him to lead these initiatives.
“What we’re doing out here goes well beyond the game,” Matt said. “The leadership sessions are about setting young people up for success in life, whether that’s in rugby, work, or their communities, with Dylan being a great example of that.”
Their shared journey reflects the long-term vision of Rugby Australia and QRU to create opportunities for Indigenous athletes to thrive on and off the field. And those efforts are already bearing fruit.
One of the brightest examples of QRU’s repeat visits to North Queensland is rising superstar Layne Prince, who was first identified through QRU’s talent program and has since gone on to represent the Indigenous Australian Women’s national rugby 7s team at the Teuila International 7s tournament. Layne is now one of many First Nations players set to dominate the Australian 7’s program over the coming years.
The QRU’s First Nations program continues to grow under the Queensland Rugby Foundation, one of five key pillars that support the game’s impact across the state. Contributions to the Foundation help fund future tours, community programs, and leadership opportunities for young Indigenous Queenslanders.
“Every bit of support helps us open new doors for young people,” Dylan said. “It’s about building programs that last — ones that keep our culture strong and our communities connected through rugby.”
To help support future opportunities for First Nations communities through rugby, visit the Queensland Rugby Foundation and donate today.
