The Coffs Coast will take centre stage on the Australian sporting calendar in April 2026, with the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby set to deliver a week-long celebration that seamlessly connects international high-performance rugby with grassroots participation, community engagement and social impact.
Delivered by New South Wales Rugby Union in partnership with the City of Coffs Harbour and Mid North Coast Rugby Union, the Festival will welcome international teams from Japan and Fiji, Australia’s best emerging talent, and thousands of players, volunteers and spectators from across New South Wales and beyond.
At the heart of the Festival is a series of international exhibition matches, forming a key part of preparations for the World Rugby U20 Championship. Matches will be staged across Kempsey and Grafton, creating a strong inter-regional footprint, before culminating in a marquee international fixture under lights at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour.
Japanese Head Coach Eddie Jones said the Festival provides an ideal environment for international preparation while strengthening rugby’s connection to the community.
“This is the type of rugby environment that actually develops players,” Jones said. “You’ve got strong opposition, real crowds, and genuine community engagement. Preparing in regional Australia, where rugby has deep roots, is hugely valuable for our program.”
Fiji Head Coach Mick Byrne highlighted the importance of exposure to competitive matches and cultural exchange ahead of a global tournament.
“These matches are critical for our World U20 Championship preparation, but just as important is the opportunity to connect with clubs, schools and communities,” Byrne said.
“That connection is part of what makes rugby special.”
Australian U20s Head Coach Chris Whitaker said the Festival mirrors the pressure and intensity players will face on the world stage.
“The ability to play quality international opposition in front of strong regional crowds is invaluable,” Whitaker said.
“This Festival creates an environment that challenges players while reinforcing the pathway from community rugby through to international representation.”
Adding further prestige to the international program is the inclusion of the Australian Stockmen, who will feature as part of the exhibition schedule, reinforcing the Festival’s commitment to celebrating Australia’s rugby heritage alongside its future.
Australian Stockmen Chairperson Shaun Mackin said the team’s involvement reflects the spirit of the event.
“The Stockmen represent pride, mateship and connection to the bush and the regions,” Mackin said. “To be part of a Festival that brings international rugby into regional communities while celebrating the grassroots game is exactly what the Stockmen are about.”
Beyond the international fixtures, the Festival delivers one of the most comprehensive community rugby programs ever staged in regional NSW.
The Coffs Coast Rugby Challenge will bring junior teams from across the state together in a festival-style format, while the Golden Oldies competition will see past players return to the field in a social, inclusive celebration of rugby’s lifelong appeal.
The Northern NSW Champions Challenge will showcase the region’s leading senior clubs, and the Inter-Zone WXV Gala XV-a-side competition will provide a vital development opportunity for women’s rugby, aligned to national pathways and the continued growth of the women’s game.
Off the field, the Festival will also deliver significant Rugby For Good social impact initiatives, including community engagement activities, school visits, wellbeing programs and inclusive participation opportunities designed to ensure the benefits of the Festival extend well beyond the final whistle.
Fundraising will play a key role, with the Festival hosting a Corporate Golf Day and a Rugby Legends Luncheon, raising funds to support Rugby For Good programs and community initiatives across Northern NSW.
NSW Rugby Union CEO Peter Murphy said the Festival is a powerful example of how major sporting events can drive long-term regional outcomes.
“The Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby is about far more than elite matches,” Murphy said. “It’s about creating pathways, supporting communities, delivering social impact, and ensuring regional centres like Coffs Harbour play a leading role in the future of Australian rugby.”
“Events of this scale demonstrate what’s possible when high-performance sport, community rugby and social purpose are aligned.”
The Festival is expected to generate significant economic and tourism benefits for the Coffs Coast, Kempsey and Clarence Valley regions, while positioning Coffs Harbour as a premier destination for international sporting events.
“The City’s International Stadium will be the perfect stage for the headline matches but the full benefit of the Festival will ripple far beyond the touchlines at that premier facility. Games at Grafton and Kempsey will ensure a rugby takeover of the region,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“From juniors to seniors to rising world class talent from Australia, Japan and Fiji – the Festival will deliver a comprehensive spectacle that will showcase the code, community connection and provide significant economic benefits for local accommodations providers, the hospitality industry and small businesses.”
City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Murray Wood said the evolution of the Festival – in the second of a three-year partnership between the City and NSW Rugby – was particularly welcomed.
“It was superb to have Japan and Eddie Jones here last year and the organisers are levelling up in 2026 with an expanded program,” Mr Wood said.
“The grassroots components and the social benefits brought by the Rugby For Good initiatives add layers to the positive outcomes of hosting this major event.”
With Australia preparing to host the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup and 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the 2026 Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby places regional NSW firmly on the international stage, while remaining grounded in the values of community, inclusion and connection that define the game.
From junior players pulling on boots for the first time, to international teams preparing for global competition, the Festival stands as a celebration of rugby in all its forms, on and off the field.
Tickets for the international matches and marquee events of the 2026 Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby will go on sale from Wednesday 25th February.
Rugby fans are encouraged to secure their seats early, with strong demand expected for the international exhibition fixtures and the headline clash at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
Full ticketing details, event information and festival updates will be available via coffscoast.com/rugby.
