THE 2025 Santos Festival of Rugby kicks off in Narrabri today – pun intended – as the Queensland Reds take on the NSW Waratahs for the Santos Cup during an incredible weekend of sport and entertainment.

In partnership with Queensland Rugby Union and New South Wales Rugby Union, the Santos Festival of Rugby combines elite high-performance rugby with opportunities for regional Queensland and New South Wales rugby participants to play on the big stage.

The Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs will meet across four formats in the country NSW hub – Super Rugby AUS and Super Rugby Under-19s competition fixtures, a Super Rugby Women’s exhibition match and four Women’s Rugby Sevens matches.

Other matches include the Classic Wallabies coming up against the Narrabri Blue Boars in an over-35s match, and Queensland Country and NSW Country doing battle at under-18 girls’ level.

Besides the action on the field, the weekend program includes junior coaching clinics and family-focused activities.

There will be live entertainment throughout the weekend, with an opening night street party to kick things off, before a weekend packed with rugby matches, live entertainment and plenty of activities for locals and visitors.

From 4pm today, Maitland Street in Narrabri will transform into a rugby playground.

Locals and visitors can meet the players, enjoy live, local entertainment, dine out at the many food trucks and compete in the game zone.

The Classic Wallabies will deliver a free coaching clinic for all ticketed juniors to kickstart proceedings on Saturday. Games will commence at 2pm Saturday and 9am Sunday.

The Santos Festival of Rugby kicks off in Narrabri today ahead of an incredible weekend of sport and entertainment.

The Classic Wallabies will take on the Narrabri Blue Boars in an Over-35s 10-a-side match on Sunday morning, continuing the festival’s tradition of bringing former international rugby stars to regional Australia.

Classic Wallabies general manager Morgan Turinui said the festival provides a unique opportunity for the organisation to connect with regional rugby communities.

“The Santos Festival of Rugby has become one of our favourite events on the calendar,” Turinui said.

“There’s something special about bringing former Wallabies to regional Australia and sharing our passion for the game with communities that might not otherwise get the chance to see international players up close.

“Our players are looking forward to taking on the Narrabri Blue Boars. It’s going to be a fantastic exhibition.

“The atmosphere in Narrabri is always incredible, and we’re particularly excited about our kids’ clinic on Saturday which gives us the chance to inspire the next generation of rugby players.

“These regional festivals are what rugby is all about – community, connection and celebrating the game we all love,” he said.

Santos managing director and chief executive, Kevin Gallagher, said the annual event reflects all the best elements of rugby and community connection.

“We’re proud to bring the Santos Festival of Rugby back to Narrabri and share in the passion this community has for the game, while giving regional Australia a chance to experience first-rate rugby they would usually have to travel to a capital city to see,” Gallagher said.

“At Santos, we believe in the power of sport to inspire, connect and strengthen communities.

“We also believe in great initiatives and events that shine a light on some of our incredible regions, like northern New South Wales, which also stands to benefit from visitor numbers and the economic uplift of being host to a fantastic festival.

“That’s why we support sport and back local communities – because when communities thrive, we all benefit.

“Events like this bring people together and we are excited to be part of a weekend that celebrates community spirit, regional pride and great rugby,” he said.

Santos and the Queensland Rugby Union collaborate on the delivery of the festival, with support from the NSW Waratahs and Classic Wallabies, representing a successful partnership between the organisations.

Santos Festival of Rugby Schedule

Friday, September 19

4pm-8pm: Opening Night Street Party. Entry is free.

Saturday, September 20

12.30pm: Learning with legends

Join the Classic Wallabies at Dangar Park for a junior skills session before the gates open to the public. This workshop does require tickets.

1.30pm: Gates Open

2pm: Reds 7s vs Tahs 7s, Game 1

12.30pm: Reds 7s vs Tahs, Super W – Santos Cup Match

4.30pm: Reds 7s vs Tahs 7s, Game 2

5.45pm: Reds vs Tahs, Super Rugby – Santos Cup Match

8.30pm: Venue closes

Sunday, September 21

8.30am: Gates Open

9am: QCRU vs NSWC, U18 Girls

10.20am: Reds 7s vs Tahs 7s, Game 3

11am: Classic Wallabies vs Narrabri Blue Boars

Midday: Reds 7s vs Tahs 7s, Game 4

1pm: Reds vs Tahs, Super 19s

3.30pm: Venue closes