QLD AIC Rugby 2025

[Dabu]

I think Lauries are going ok. Maybe a shift away from their 10-man rugby blueprint is the way going forward. The big question needs to be asked, what the hell has gone wrong at Iona? These guys were a powerhouse two years ago in the 10As. I hear grumblings the school is more focused on rugby league than rugby union these days. Not sure if this is true or not?

 

[oldskool198]

I think they will only get stronger, unless boys in younger grades get poached from gps. The 8As are undefeated, went undefeated last year and won ballymore cup in the u14s, some serious contenders for first xv in year 10.

 

[Dabu]

I think you’re right with the poaching. I was told this year’s 9As lost their four best players to GPS schools.

 

[Jets]

View attachment 22374Surely in the interest of Rugby we need to add strength to this competition! Options like Kings College or Downlands will do a lot for this comp

It’s not going to happen as AIC isn’t just a rugby comp. ATC are the school most likely to join AIC as they currently compete in most sports.

 

[Smiley]

And thats Rugby’s problem in Aus. There should be a 4 tiered comp with promotion/relegation options as well as room for expansion. How is rugby meant to grow if its always just exclusive to a few schools governed by schools and not rugby bodies! Blows your mind!

 

[My Arsenal]

Downlands could be brought into First XV as an associate member. Would be highly competitive from the get go.

 

[Smiley]

Jup add value to all age groups -
Surely will field way more on any given Saturday than some of rhe current offering

 

[The Whisperer]

Downlands attempted to come into the AIC a number of years ago. They even offered to travel every week for the first 3 years to sweeten the deal and not every AIC school was in favour, so it never eventuated.

 

[Jed313]

Re: Downlands, not sure how many AIC families/schools would want to head up to The Fridge for a game on the weekend, a trip to Tivoli upsets enough from what I hear!?

Also, would Downlands want to join AIC? Not sure of their other sporting programs - I assume they compete locally in the Downs area etc. but currently despite not being able to claim GPS membership, their rugby program can offer access to playing GPS teams every weekend (on their bye rounds) and the exposure that comes with that. It helped Mac Grealy make a name for himself and he didn't have to leave Toowoomba to do it.

 

[Mad Muddie]

Re: Downlands, not sure how many AIC families/schools would want to head up to The Fridge for a game on the weekend, a trip to Tivoli upsets enough from what I hear!?

Also, would Downlands want to join AIC? Not sure of their other sporting programs - I assume they compete locally in the Downs area etc. but currently despite not being able to claim GPS membership, their rugby program can offer access to playing GPS teams every weekend (on their bye rounds) and the exposure that comes with that. It helped Mac Grealy make a name for himself and he didn't have to leave Toowoomba to do it.

You are correct. It was mentioned in an earlier comment too. There is a whole set of “criteria” that has to be met and across the entire sports/co-curricular offerings. Not just Rugby. Their current arrangement with GPS hasn’t appeared to disadvantage them either over the years either.

 

[Teh Other Dave]

Ahh this was once the 'Downlands to TAS' circular argument. Not sure what the results have been like but I suspect the 'GPS bye round v Downlands' and trials against Ashgrove are probably a better deal for Downlands' rugby programme who can compete against the scholarship kids.

Having said that, while the AIC comp gets its eyes picked out by the GPS arms race (imagine paying 40k school fees so your kid's school can buy a 1st XV), every school had won a 1st XV premiership in the first 20 years. This is a great thing. For context that took 100 years in the GPS and there are schools that probably won't win ever again. In the Sydney GPS there are schools that don't even play 1sts or 2nds anymore.