Festival of Rugby to Return to Narrabri
Rugby fans, mark your calendars—the Santos Festival of Rugby is back in Narrabri for 2025!
Set for 20-21 September, the two-day festival has grown into one of the biggest sporting and community events in regional Australia, delivering top-tier rugby and quality entertainment.
It’s more than just big hits on the field, the festival also delivers a major economic boost to its host town.
At the heart of the festival is the Santos Cup showdown between the Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs.
With NSW hosting this year, the Waratahs will have home-crowd support as they take on their oldest rivals at Dangar Park, home of the Narrabri Blue Boars.
“It’s one of the biggest events of the year in Narrabri—not just for rugby fans, but for businesses and tourism,” said Santos Executive VP Brett Darley.
“The Festival of Rugby injects up to a million dollars into the local economy, making it a major win for the community.”
The festival isn’t just about elite rugby—it’s a celebration of sport at all levels. Fans can look forward to junior coaching clinics, school visits, family-friendly entertainment, and live performances, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
“The Santos Festival of Rugby has truly carved out a place in regional communities,” said Queensland Rugby CEO David Hanham. “It’s about making top-tier rugby accessible beyond the big cities.”
Since its inception, the festival has delivered millions in economic benefits to its host towns. Each Narrabri event pumps around $1 million into the local economy, boosting accommodation, food, tourism, and local suppliers. The festival’s previous editions in Roma, QLD, brought in nearly $2 million, attracting over 6,000 visitors.
“Sport is key to our social fabric, but the benefits of an event like this go even further,” said Santos Regional Manager Andrew Snars. “It provides a major boost to businesses and the people who live here.”
Santos has been a long-standing supporter of Narrabri, home to its Narrabri Gas Project, which will play a key role in New South Wales’ domestic energy supply. In 2024 alone, Santos spent $9.3 million on local goods and services, reinforcing its commitment to regional growth.I don’t
With the Reds and Waratahs set to renew their rivalry, rugby fans can expect another unforgettable weekend of sport, entertainment, and community spirit in 2025.
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