The Santos Festival of Rugby will return to Roma for the third time on September 18-19, with a packed schedule of interstate clashes and the addition of a free Friday community event.
It’s a new space on the calendar for the Festival, one which was successfully trialled in Narrabri (NSW) in September 2025, after previous iterations in Roma were played out in February 2022 and 2024.
The Festival celebrates Santos’ partnerships with the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs, bringing world class rugby to Roma for the community’s enjoyment.
Whilst state pride is motivation enough any time a rugby player pulls on the maroon jersey to take on their sky-blue counterparts, fixturing the Festival in spring means that that Super Rugby Aus competition points will be on the line for the first time in Roma.
That fixture will be the final match played at Gallas Fox Park on September 19, kicking off at 5:45pm, directly after the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs meet in a Super Rugby Women’s exhibition match.
The Reds won the corresponding Men’s fixture in Roma two years ago, 32-7, with Wallaby centre Hunter Paisami starring in the centres. The Waratahs re-claimed the Santos Cup in Narrabri in 2025, with seven Test players in the Reds team, and new Reds Head Coach Vern Cotter will be determined to bring the Cup back to Ballymore.
It will be the first time that Cotter, one of world rugby’s most credentialled coaches, leads the side in Queensland after he assumes his post in late July.
There will also be three interstate Women’s Rugby Sevens clashes throughout the day, a Reds and Waratahs Under 19’s match, and a Classic Wallabies kids clinic which will be free for all ticket purchasers. Finally, the Vintage Reds and Vintage Tahs will clash in a Rugby 10s match which will see heroes of yesteryear dust the cobwebs off their boots in an attempt to find their former glory.
Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Kevin Gallagher said community sport is an important part of the social fabric of Roma, contributing to health, wellbeing and connection.
“We’re proud to bring the Santos Festival of Rugby back to Roma and share in the passion this community has for the game, while giving regional Australia a chance to experience first-rate rugby in their own backyard,” he said.
“At Santos, we believe in the power of sport to inspire, connect and strengthen the communities in which we operate. Events like these also create a ripple effect – with the benefits flowing onto local businesses, tourism and the broader economy.
“This is a celebration of rugby. A celebration of community. We’re looking forward to seeing Roma once again full of people excited to be here.”
Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said he was delighted to be heading back to Roma.
“The Queensland Reds represent our entire state every time they take the field, whether playing in Roma, Brisbane, Lautoka or Belfast! To have the chance to return to Roma and celebrate the passion for Rugby in the Maranoa is something our players and staff always love, and we’re so grateful to Santos for bringing the Festival of Rugby to life.
“This is the best community Rugby activation in Australia, and one of the best annual regional sports engagements seen in Australia.”
The two previous Festivals held in Roma are estimated to have injected almost $2 million into the local economy. They have drawn to Roma more than 6000 visitors who have made significant contributions by spending on food, beverages, accommodation and fuel.
Speaking at the Brisbane Santos office last week, in a Santos employee engagement event featuring current Reds Head Coach Les Kiss, and players Tom Lynagh, Aidan Ross and Nick Conway, Lynagh said he was looking forward to returning to Roma.
“Santos does a great job of creating a festival atmosphere,” Lynagh said. “There’s a good mix of men’s and women’s games. It’s a great experience to meet people in the community, get outside the bubble of professional sport and amongst grassroots footy to inspire country kids.”
Tickets will be available via Ticketek in August, with proceeds from ticket sales to help support community grassroots rugby.
- Free Community Event – Details TBC
- 9:30am: Queensland vs. New South Wales (Women’s 7s) Game 1
- 10:00am: Queensland vs. New South Wales Under 19s
- 12:00pm: Queensland vs. New South Wales (Women’s 7s) Game 2
- 12:30pm: Classic Wallabies Clinic
- 1:30pm: Queensland vs. New South Wales (Women’s 7s) Game 3
- 2:00pm: Vintage Reds vs. Vintage New South Wales (10s)
- 3:30pm: Queensland vs. New South Wales (Super Rugby Women’s Exhibition)
- 5:45pm: Queensland vs. New South Wales (Super Rugby AUS)
