The Gold Coast District Rugby Union (GCDRU) acknowledges the recent statement released by Queensland Country Rugby Union (QCRU) regarding our decision not to participate in the 2026 Queensland Country Championships in Townsville.
We would like to reaffirm that this decision was not made lightly. We appreciate the efforts of QCRU in working with us to explore options for participation, and we thank them for their ongoing commitment to representative rugby across the state.
However, after careful consideration, the GCDRU determined that participation in the 2026 Championships would place an unreasonable financial burden on our players and their families.
The projected cost per player for the 2026 Championships was estimated to be in the range of $2,250 – $2,500, representing a significant increase on previous years. Even with the availability of government grants, the requirement for families to cover substantial upfront costs—combined with uncertainty around eligibility and reimbursement timelines—creates a genuine barrier to participation.
As an organisation, we have a responsibility to act in the best interests of all players and families across the Gold Coast.
Rugby should be accessible, inclusive, and sustainable, not determined by a family’s capacity to absorb significant short-term financial pressure.
We also carefully considered alternative participation models, including individual or “Barbarian-style” team entries.
However, we believe these approaches do not align with the principles outlined in the Rugby Australia Inclusion Strategy 2025–2029, which emphasises equal opportunity and accessibility for all participants.
While we will not be attending the 2026 Championships in Townsville, we are proud to announce a clear, structured, and financially accessible representative pathway through the Gold Coast Cyclones Program.
This program has been specifically designed to:
- Provide high-quality coaching and competition
- Ensure maximum player participation
- Deliver a representative experience at a sustainable cost
The estimated total cost for players—covering playing kit, off-field gear, coaching, training, and fixtures—is expected to be in the range of:
$600 – $800 per player
This represents a significantly more accessible model for families, while still delivering a strong representative rugby experience.
- Sunday 19th April – Magic Round 2
- Sunday 26th April – Magic Round 3
- Saturday 2nd May – Bond University / Helensvale (supporting Helensvale Hogs Rugby Club)
- Week of Sunday 3rd May – Cyclones Squads Announced (via social media)
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- Monday 4th May
- Wednesday 6th May
- Monday 11th May
- Wednesday 13th May
- Monday 18th May
- Wednesday 20th May
- Monday 25th May
- Wednesday 27th May
- Saturday 16th May – vs Mid North Coast (Palm Beach Alleygators)
- Saturday 30th May – South East Queensland Championships – GPS Rugby Club, Brisbane
- Sunday 31st May – South East Queensland Championships – GPS Rugby Club, Brisbane
The GCDRU is committed to:
- Delivering affordable and inclusive representative rugby
- Providing clear and consistent development pathways
- Supporting players, families, and clubs across the Gold Coast
- Continuing to build strong relationships within the rugby community
Further announcements will follow regarding coaches, management staff, and additional representative opportunities for the 2026 season.
We value our relationship with QCRU and remain open to future collaboration. We will continue to engage constructively to ensure that future championship models are sustainable and inclusive for all regions.
We thank our players, families, coaches, and volunteers for their continued support and understanding.
The strength of rugby on the Gold Coast lies in its community, and we remain committed to building a game that is accessible to all.
Regards,
Jed Hogan (Chairman) & Chris Cameron (Vice Chairman)
