Statement Regarding Queensland Country rugby Union.
Dear GCDRU Presidents, Junior Coordinators and Members,
Over recent months there has been considerable discussion regarding representative rugby opportunities associated with the 2026 Queensland Country Championships in Townsville.
Following a comprehensive review of the financial, operational and governance requirements associated with participation in the Championships, the Gold Coast District Rugby Union Board made the decision not to enter Cyclones teams into the 2026 Queensland Country Rugby Union Championships.
The primary factor in this decision was the significant financial risk and potential liability exposure to GCDRU. The Board has a responsibility to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation and to protect the interests of all affiliated clubs and members. In addition to these financial considerations, the Board identified concerns regarding affordability for participating families, operational sustainability, volunteer capacity, staffing requirements and the overall governance obligations associated with the program.
After careful consideration of all available information, the Board remains confident that this decision was responsible, necessary and made in the best interests of the broader Gold Coast rugby community.
The Board acknowledges that this decision has been disappointing for some players and families who had hoped to participate in the QCRU Championships. We recognise and appreciate the passion, commitment and enthusiasm shown by players, parents, coaches and volunteers throughout this process.
Subsequent to GCDRU's decision, the Queensland Country Rugby Union has established alternative representative teams to participate in the Championships under the Queensland Barbarians program.
For clarity, these teams are not Gold Coast Cyclones teams and are not endorsed, selected, administered, operated or managed by GCDRU. They do not form part of the GCDRU representative pathway program and operate entirely independently of the Gold Coast District Rugby Union.
To avoid confusion within the rugby community, we ask that these teams not be referred to as Cyclones teams or as representatives of GCDRU.
It is important that members understand that GCDRU, its Board, employees and volunteers will have no responsibility for, or involvement in:
- player selection processes;
- team administration;
- travel and accommodation arrangements;
- staffing, supervision and welfare management;
- communications;
- financial management, costs or payments; or
- competition participation and logistics.
All enquiries relating to the Queensland Barbarians program should be directed to the Queensland Country Rugby Union and the individuals responsible for administering that program.
While GCDRU respects and supports the right of families to make decisions they believe are in the best interests of their children, participation in the Queensland Barbarians program is entirely at the discretion of individual families and occurs independently of GCDRU and outside the governance, operational oversight and responsibility of our organisation.
GCDRU remains proud of its long history of delivering representative programs, interstate tours and player development opportunities. We remain committed to providing sustainable, affordable and well-governed pathways for players across the Gold Coast while ensuring the ongoing strength and stability of our organisation.
While opinions may differ regarding the decisions made this year, the Board remains committed to working constructively with clubs, volunteers, players and families to strengthen participation opportunities and representative pathways across the Gold Coast.
We thank our clubs, volunteers, coaches, managers and families for their continued support and look forward to working together to ensure a strong future for rugby on the Gold Coast.
Yours sincerely,
Jed Hogan — Chairman
Chris Cameron — Vice Chairman
