Australian Rugby Union’s new domestic competition, the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship, kicks off tonight with a match between Brisbane City and Sydney Stars, which will be broadcast live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.
It presents a great opportunity to grow the game in Australia and is designed to give players, coaches and match officials another link in their development pathway to create the next generation of Qantas Wallabies.
For Rugby fans, it will showcase some of the best emerging talent in Australian Rugby and will provide an opportunity to engage with an elite Rugby competition in the second half of the year.
Thursday 21 August (Broadcast Match)
Brisbane City v Sydney Stars
Where: Ballymore Oval, Queensland
Time: 7:30pm AEST
Coverage: FOXSPORTS 2 / FOXSPORTS 2HD
Did you know:
Brisbane City will take on the Sydney Stars in the first match of the inaugural Buildcorp National Rugby Championship tonight at Ballymore Oval.
The Brisbane side will feature former Wallabies representatives Lachie Turner and James Hanson as well as up and comers Jake Schatz and Ben Tapuai.
The Sydney Stars will be bolstered by former Waratahs centre Tom Carter and Sydney University First Grade Captain, David Hickey.
Saturday 23 August
University of Canberra Vikings v Property Club Perth Spirit
Where: Viking Park, Canberra
Time: 2:30pm AEST
Did you know:
The UC Vikings and Perth Spirit will lock horns this Saturday in their first game of the inaugural Buildcorp National Rugby Championship at Viking Park.
Christian Lealiifano has been released from the Qantas Wallabies squad to play in the fixture this weekend and will be a handy addition to Canberra side.
Charles Sturt University NSW Country Eagles v People Culture Strategies Greater Sydney Rams
Where: Coogee Oval, Sydney
Time: 3:00pm AEST
Did you know:
Coogee Oval will play host to a match between NSW Country and the Greater Sydney Rams as the two teams look to stamp their mark on the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.
NSW Country Eagles will see Waratahs Kane Douglas, Stephen Hoiles and Brendan McKibbin mix it up with the best players from country New South Wales.
The Greater Sydney Rams will come together to form a strong outfit featuring NSW Waratahs squad members Ben Volavola, Taqele Naiyaravoro and Hugh Roach.
Sunday 24 August
Melbourne Rising v Macquarie University North Harbour Rays
Where: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Time: 2:00pm
Did you know:
Melbourne Rising will host the North Harbour Rays in the only Sunday match of Round 1 as both teams look to hit the ground running in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.
The North Harbour Rays will be headed by NSW Waratahs Cam Crawford and Matt Lucas.
REB Radio will be live streaming audio broadcast of Melbourne Rising home games on behalf of the Rising
Note: Bond University Queensland Country have a bye in Round 1.