Fraser Coast to host Rugby Union championship

Up to 500 Rugby Union enthusiasts will converge on the Fraser Coast in July for the Queensland Schools Rugby Union Under 15 Boys Championships.

The games will be held at the Fraser Coast Sport and Recreation Precinct.

“It is anticipated that teams from 10 of the 12 school sport regions will compete,” Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

The games will be played between 8.30am to 4.30pm over four days from Thursday, July 21 to Sunday, July 24.

“The sport and rec precinct is coming into its own,” Cr Seymour said.

“It is attracting more sports to play state or regional championships or their base for visits to the region.”

Queensland’s premier football team, the Brisbane Roar, will visit the Fraser Coast for a training camp and an exhibition game in August.

“We are also talking with the Queensland Reds Rugby Union squad to set a new date for their visit to the Fraser Coast after the team’s five-day pre-season training in January was cancelled due to COVID.

“By attracting state and national teams and fixtures to the Fraser Coast, Council helps develop the skills of locals through coaching clinics, mentoring programs, participation in exhibition matches and just being able to watch games involving elite athletes,” Cr Seymour said.

“The visit is also an opportunity for sporting clubs to attract members and increase community participation in sport.

“Council will continue to invite state, national and international teams to the Fraser Coast as part of our focus on growing our local economy; ensuring we have a healthy and active community and offering opportunities for local sportspeople to meet, be inspired by and train with high-calibre athletes.

“In addition to providing Fraser Coast residents with access to new, high-quality sporting fields, the precinct also helps attract more major events to the region, which brings in more visitors to benefit our local businesses.

“Hosting multiple large State sporting events provides the opportunity for the Fraser Coast to stamp itself as a leading sporting events destination, and we couldn’t do that without the Sports and Recreation Precinct.”

CAPTION: Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour (centre) with championship convenor Dave Robinson, players Caleb Berthelsen and Michael Farsgaard and Andrew Rye from Queensland Rugby Football School Union Wide Bay check out the newly installed goal posts for the upcoming school rugby union championships.