Sunday Rugby for Juniors
Starting in 2026, all Gold Coast District Rugby Union junior competitions will be played on Sundays. This historic shift represents our commitment to making rugby more accessible to Gold Coast families while creating new opportunities for young athletes across our region.
Rugby thrives when families can participate without compromise. By moving our junior competitions to Sundays, we're opening the door for:
- More families to choose rugby – No longer competing with Saturday morning commitments, school sport, or other weekend activities
- Multi-sport opportunities – Kids can now play their Saturday sport AND experience rugby on Sundays
- Better work-life balance – Many parents work Saturdays; Sundays allow more families to be present and involved
- Stronger family participation – Sunday rugby means siblings, extended family, and friends can all attend and enjoy the rugby community together
- Community growth – Removing scheduling barriers allows us to welcome more young players to our wonderful sport
- Keeping Gold Coast talent on the Coast – Promising athletes no longer have to play outside of the region to find a competition that aligns with their schedule.
This decision wasn't made lightly. Over the past 18 months, the GCDRU Board conducted extensive consultation with:
- Club presidents and administrators
- Coaches and team managers
- Parents and players across all age groups
- Queensland Rugby Union
- Other regional rugby unions who've successfully made this transition
The feedback was clear: Sunday rugby removes barriers and creates opportunities. Multiple rugby unions across Australia have made similar moves with outstanding results – increased participation, stronger family engagement, and thriving junior programs.
All GCDRU junior competitions from Under 6s through to Under 17s will be played on Sundays starting in 2026. Senior competitions (18+) and representative programs will continue as scheduled.
Game times will typically run from mid-morning through early afternoon, similar to current junior scheduling. Specific times will be confirmed closer to the season and will vary by age group to accommodate multiple games per day.
Absolutely! That's one of the key benefits of this change. Your child can continue their Saturday sport (rugby league, soccer, AFL, etc.) and add rugby union to their weekend. Many young athletes thrive playing multiple sports, developing different skills and making friends across various sporting communities.
No. Training schedules will remain midweek as they currently are – typically Tuesday and Thursday evenings, though specific training days are determined by individual clubs.
We understand families have diverse Sunday commitments. Game schedules will accommodate various time slots throughout the day. Additionally, rugby is a team sport that builds resilience and flexibility – just like any weekend sport, there will occasionally be scheduling considerations, but we're committed to working with families to make rugby accessible.
Yes. All GCDRU community clubs will transition to Sunday junior competitions in 2026. This ensures consistent scheduling across the entire competition and provides the best possible experience for all participants.
Perfect timing! 2026 will see an influx of new players as families discover they can now fit rugby into their weekends. Your child will be joining alongside many other newcomers, and our clubs are fully prepared to welcome and develop players of all experience levels. Rugby is a sport for everyone – all shapes, sizes, and skill levels.
Registration fees vary by club but typically range from $200-350 per season, which includes insurance, playing kit, and access to qualified coaching. Many clubs offer sibling discounts and payment plans. Compared to many other sports, rugby offers exceptional value with a full winter season of participation, skills development, and community connection.
Rugby is one of the safest contact sports for young people when played properly. We use modified rules for younger age groups (non-contact until older ages), provide certified coaching, and emphasise proper technique from day one. Our coaches complete regular training, and Queensland Rugby has comprehensive policies ensuring player welfare is always the priority. Thousands of Gold Coast kids play rugby safely every year.
Registration for the 2026 season will open in early January 2026. You can find your local club and register directly through our website. Visit the 'Find a Club' link below to explore clubs in your area, learn more about each club's culture and facilities, and secure your child's spot for Sunday rugby in 2026.
If you have a question about the 2026 Sunday Rugby competition, submit it here: