Narrabri thrives as Santos Festival of Rugby hits town

THE Narrabri community is catering to record visitor numbers and economic activity, with the Santos Festival of Rugby currently underway this weekend.

Santos is proud to stage its fifth Festival of Rugby which has become a fixture on the national and regional rugby calendars.

The centrepiece of the Festival is the game between Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs Super Rugby men’s and women’s teams, which faced off for the Santos Cup yesterday.

The NSW Waratahs recorded a commanding 47-19 victory over the Queensland Reds, with fullback James Hendren scoring four tries in a dazzling performance.

The win capped a memorable day for the Waratahs, after earlier successes for the Waratahs Women and Sevens sides in front of a strong country crowd.

Santos, in partnership with the New South Wales Rugby Union, Queensland Rugby Union and Narrabri Shire Council, has seen the Festival of Rugby grow to become one of the biggest annual Rugby and community events in regional Australia (Image: Santos Festival of Rugby 2025).

Santos, in partnership with the New South Wales Rugby Union, Queensland Rugby Union and Narrabri Shire Council, has seen the Festival of Rugby grow to become one of the biggest annual Rugby and community events in regional Australia. Hotel rooms in Narrabri reached 100 per cent occupancy over the weekend, as thousands descend on the town for a weekend of first-rate sport and community activities, which included a thriving street party on Friday night.

Santos managing director and chief executive officer, Kevin Gallagher, said the festival brings people and communities across the region together and delivers a significant economic boost for local businesses.

“More than 3600 people attended the inaugural Santos Festival of Rugby in Narrabri and with pavilion ticket sales already sold out for Saturday and Sunday, we anticipate higher numbers for this weekend’s event,” Mr Gallagher said.

“The Festival has a strong track record of injecting direct and indirect spend into local businesses in Narrabri.

“Giving back to the community is in Santos’s DNA and we aim to make a positive social contribution in the communities everywhere we operate.

“As more people become aware of the Narrabri Gas Project, they’re realising its value for the entire region in terms of jobs, business opportunities, local investment and affordable, reliable energy.”

Narrabri Shire Council mayor, Darrell Tiemens, welcomed Santos’ investment in the community with the Festival of Rugby just one part of the company’s contribution.

“Accommodation in Narrabri will reach 100 per cent occupancy this weekend and that’s a real economic boost for our local hospitality and tourism businesses,” Cr Tiemens said.

“Narrabri Shire looks forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from interstate and across New South Wales.

“We are very proud to be hosting this event and hope everyone has a fantastic time.”