Australia's next generation of rugby stars will light up Queensland's south-east as part of a historic new tournament backed by Rugby Australia and Australian Schools Rugby Union.
Around 50 junior representatives sides from across every state and territory will converge on the Sunshine Coast for the inaugural Australian Schools and Juniors Rugby Union (ASJRU) Championships in July.
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Hosted at Sunshine Coast Stadium and Kawana Sports Precinct, the 2025 ASJRU Championships will attract the nation's top talent for a week of elite junior competition.
The XVs tournament will run from Monday 7 July through Thursday 10 July with the 7s tournament held between Friday 11 July and Sunday 13 July.
Rugby Australia's community rugby director Michael Procajlo welcomed the inaugural ASJRU Championships and Sunshine Coast Council's ongoing support of major rugby events.
"The 2025 Australian Schools and Junior Rugby Union Championships is testament to the collaborative effort between Australian Schools Rugby Union and Rugby Australia on an aligned pathway for both boys and girls development and selection to senior national teams," Procajlo said.
"Every State and Territory will be represented and participate at the tournament this year, in either XVs or 7s rugby, for the first time in many years.
"We are pleased to be partnering with the Sunshine Coast Council again to deliver another high-quality rugby event at their world class Sunshine Coast Stadium and Kawana Sports Precinct."
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the region loved rugby union.
“By supporting the Australian Schools and Junior Rugby Union Championships through our major events sponsorship program, we are demonstrating our commitment to helping the sport thrive,’ Mayor Natoli said.
“These events are hugely important in the development of young players and providing a pathway into senior and international rugby.
“It's also an exciting opportunity for Australia’s next generation of players to gain valuable experience at our Sunshine Coast Stadium and adapt to the demands of top-level competition.
“To top it all off, they also experience our beautiful region while they are here, and we look forward to them returning for a longer stay.
Mayor Natoli highlighted the region's strong support for rugby union, demonstrated by Sunshine Coast Council’s sponsorship of rugby events in 2024 including the Australian Rugby Shield and SANZAAR TRC U20, which welcomed talent from New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Australia.
"It is an exciting time for rugby in Australia with the British & Irish Lions Tour in 2025, the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029 all ahead of us.
“This is an opportunity for us to leverage these mega events being held in Australia by attracting elite national and international teams to train, stay and play here on the Sunshine Coast.
"Building a strong relationship with Rugby Australia is a key part of our strategy.”
Full ASJRU competition draws and schedules will be released in coming weeks - be sure to follow Play Rugby on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest updates.
