Sports lovers, mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend of action-packed events as the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby descends on Coffs Harbour from April 3rd–6th, 2025.
Headlining this festival of rugby union will be a thrilling international clash between the Japan Development XV, coached by Eddie Jones, and the Australian Barbarians. The game will be played at the iconic C.ex Coffs International Stadium on Saturday, April 5th.
Managed by the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation, the festival will serve as a fundraiser to support the foundation's Rugby For Good programs. These programs deliver powerful community initiatives across New South Wales, such as youth engagement activities, mental health workshops and inclusion programs for marginalised communities.
By connecting with people through rugby, the foundation creates opportunities for empowerment, skill development and social inclusion. NSW Rugby Union CEO, Peter Murphy, emphasised the significance of the event:
"The Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby is a celebration of the sport at every level, from grassroots to international competition. We’re thrilled to showcase the power of rugby to unite communities while raising vital funds for our Rugby For Good programs, which continue to make a real difference across NSW."
In addition to the main event, the festival will feature a series of exciting community activations throughout the week with the Japanese team basing themselves in Coffs Harbour for a high performance training camp. Fans will have opportunities to meet players, attend open training sessions and join rugby-focused community events bringing a buzz of excitement to the region.
The festival’s packed schedule includes:
Coffs Coast Rugby Challenge: A long-standing junior, non-competitive 10s tournament featuring young players from across Australia.
This year, the event expands with the addition of a “Golden Oldies” tournament, ensuring rugby enthusiasts of all ages can hit the field.
Mid North Coast Competition Super Round: The opening round of this fiercely contested regional competition sees Northern and Southern teams converge in Coffs Harbour for a day of electrifying rugby.
Together, the Coffs Coast Rugby Challenge and the Mid North Coast Competition are expected to draw over 2,000 players, creating a vibrant rugby atmosphere across the weekend. Local Derby Showdown: Before the international spectacle on Saturday evening, the Coffs Harbour Marlins will play against cross town rivals Coffs Harbour Snappers in a match that promises to be an intense prelude to the headline event.
The festivities kick off with a Corporate Golf Day on Thursday, April 3rd at the breathtaking Bonville Golf Resort, where celebrity guest golfers will join supporters for a day of long drives! On Friday, April 4th, the focus shifts to the Charity Fundraising Luncheon to be held at the Coffs Ex-Services Club.
The Luncheon will be hosted by rugby royalty featuring a range of guest speakers, this will be a traditional rugby luncheon with laughs-a-plenty and will also include a raffle and auction items.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Cr Nikki Williams, highlighted the event’s local impact:
"Hosting the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby reinforces our city’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events. With over 2,000 players and their families set to converge on the Coffs Coast, the festival will deliver a significant boost to our local economy while providing incredible opportunities for our community to engage with an international level of competition. The social impact that Rugby For Good programs are having in our communities is immense and we look forward to seeing their footprint continue to grow".
The Australian Barbarians, after being inactive for some years, are excited about the clash with Japan and will field a team made up of fringe Super Rugby and Academy players, Aussie 7s Stars, overseas based Australian players and some of the best Australian Country players. Australian Barbarians President and former Wallaby, Ken Wright, shared his excitement for the main event:
"The Australian Barbarians are honoured to be part of such a meaningful and dynamic event. Facing the Japan Development XV will be an exciting challenge, and we look forward to entertaining the fans while supporting the Positive Rugby Foundation’s incredible work."
The Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby is set to transform the region into a hub of rugby celebration, with activities catering to fans, players, and families alike. The inclusion of grassroots, junior, and international rugby reflects the diverse appeal of the sport and its unifying power to bring communities together.
Tickets for the main event at C.ex Coffs International Stadium and associated activities will go on sale early in the New Year. Don’t miss your chance to experience the unique experience that the game of rugby has to offer while supporting the transformative work of the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation.
For more information and updates, or if you would like to support this event, please contact joey.dedassel@nsw.rugby.
