Coffs Harbour is preparing to pack down for the region’s Festival of Rugby, which will climax with an international double-header at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium on the back of a heady build-up of events across the region.
Former Wallabies coach turned Japan mentor, Eddie Jones, will be pulling the levers for that nation’s Under-23 side when they face off against a star-studded Australian Under-20 side at 7pm under lights on Saturday.
That clash will be preceded by a game between the Australian Stockman and the Fiji Under 20s from 5pm.
“This is the second year of a three-year partnership between the City of Coffs Harbour and NSW Rugby,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“It was great to have Eddie and all the big names here in 2025, and this year the format includes top class matches in Grafton and Kempsey before the big show rolls into Coffs.”
With the support of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union, the festival stokes participation at all levels of the game – the elite, the emerging and grassroots community football.
The Australian Stockman – a national invitation side of regionally-based players – stamped their credentials with a 50-7 win over the Grafton Redmen on Saturday, while the Japanese side bested Fiji 48-39 in a free-flowing thriller.
The international action will switch to Kempsey’s Verge Street Oval today (Wednesday 8 April) before the carnival moves into Coffs for a string of high-profile engagements.
A four-person corporate golf day will be hosted by the Bonville Golf Resort on Thursday while household rugby names including coach Jones, Morgan Turinui, Glen Ella and Chris Whitaker headline a fundraising luncheon at the C.ex Club Coffs Harbour from 12.15 on Friday.
“The festival helps to build awareness of the Rugby For Good program which strives to unite communities and inspire individuals,” said City Events, Sport and Cultural Services Group Leader, Sharon McDougall.
“As a comprehensive celebration of rugby at all levels, tickets to the stadium on Saturday are affordable and start at just $5 for a child or concession for general admission. That’s great value for what shapes as an exciting evening to see some of the best young players in Australia, Japan and Fiji.”
To book tickets, visit here.
