Fraser Coast to host school rugby union championships
The Fraser Coast continues to attract significant state sporting events to the region, with up to 200 rugby union enthusiasts to converge on the region next week for the Girls 7s state championships.
Councillor Jade Wellings said Queensland School Sport was holding the inaugural state championships for Girls 15-16 and Girls 17-18 Rugby Union 7s invitational Championships at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.
“It is anticipated players from 10 of the 12 school sport regions will compete in the 15-16 years competition, and players from seven of the 12 regions will compete in the 17-18 years competition,” Cr Wellings said.
The games in the 15-16 years competition will be played between 9am to 4pm over three days from Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 21.
Games in the 17-18 years competition will be played on the Saturday and Sunday.
During the weekend, representatives from the Queensland Reds Super W team and the Queensland Academy of Sport’s Rugby 7s teams will visit to cast an eye over future talent.
The Australian women are the current Rugby 7s World Cup champions and are heading towards representing the country at the Olympics in Paris in 2024.
“The girls’ championships follow from the success of the Schools Rugby Union Under 15 Boys Championships held at the precinct last year,” Cr Wellings said.
“It is a good indication that the sport and rec precinct is coming into its own and attracting events of regional and state significance.
“In June, the Wide Bay Schools Cross Country District will hold its trails event at the precinct ahead of the Queensland Schools State Championships, which will be held at the precinct in July.
“Holding these events here has a two-fold benefit for the region; they attract visitors and give our home-grown players a chance to see elite athletes in action.
“The sports events are on top of other successful events such as the Wide Bay Rodders Show and Shine, which was staged at the precinct in April.”
The Fraser Coast Sport and Recreation Precinct also hosts Queensland’s premier football team, the Brisbane Roar, for an annual training camp and an exhibition game; and is the base for the Queensland Reds Rugby Union squad when they visit the Fraser Coast.
“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 Wellings 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, she said.