The Santos Festival of Rugby is set to make a vibrant return to Narrabri in 2025, with a fresh date on the calendar promising an even more thrilling two-day rugby extravaganza. This event, one of the largest annual gatherings in regional Australia, has significantly boosted the economies of Narrabri and Roma over its four editions, generating millions in revenue. Scheduled for the weekend of September 20-21, the festival will once again spotlight the fierce rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland, with the coveted Santos Cup up for grabs.
The Queensland Rugby Union and NSW Waratahs announced the festival’s latest edition in Narrabri, alongside representatives from Santos. The event will feature both men’s and women’s matches between the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds at Dangar Park, the home ground of the Narrabri Blue Boars. This multi-day format has been a hit, alternating between Narrabri (2021, 2023, and 2025) and Roma (2022 and 2024).
Fans can look forward to a full lineup of community events, country clashes, sevens rugby, and family entertainment over the two days. James Durbin, Rugby Australia’s Director of Commercial and Marketing, praised the festival for its community impact, emphasizing Rugby Australia’s commitment to bringing the sport to regional and rural areas. He highlighted the festival’s role in uniting communities and promoting rugby’s core values.
Queensland Rugby Union Chief Executive David Hanham expressed pride in the festival’s ability to bring top-tier and grassroots rugby to regional centers. He emphasized the shared commitment with Santos to develop the game for fans and families in rural areas, underscoring the significance of the historic rivalry between Queensland and NSW.
Brett Darley, Santos Executive Vice President for Eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea, expressed pride in the festival’s ability to draw families and communities together, boost economic activity, and showcase top-notch rugby in Narrabri and Northern NSW. He noted the festival’s substantial economic impact, injecting up to a million dollars into the local economy during each event.
The festival’s economic and social benefits have been warmly received since its inception in 2021. Each event is estimated to contribute over $1 million to the host region, with significant spending on local suppliers and infrastructure upgrades. The festivals in Roma have attracted over 6,000 visitors, contributing nearly $2 million to the local economy through spending on food, accommodation, and more.
On the field, the Queensland Reds claimed the Santos Cup with a decisive 32-7 victory over the Waratahs in Roma last year, marking a triumphant start for new Reds coach Les Kiss. As the festival returns to Narrabri, the anticipation for another warm welcome and exciting rugby action is high.
Read more: https://waratahs.rugby/news/santos-festival-of-rugby-returns-to-narrabri-in-2025-202527
