Santos is thrilled to announce an action-packed schedule of events for this year’s Santos Festival of Rugby – returning for the third time with the addition of a free community event on Friday to open the weekend.
The highly anticipated event will be held at Roma’s Gallas Fox Park on September 19, 2026.
Now in its sixth year, the Santos Festival of Rugby has firmly entrenched itself as one of the highlights of Australia’s rugby calendar, combining elite players and show matches alongside a fiercely contested grassroots competition. The memorable weekend fosters development pathways for regional athletes, community spirit and is a valuable boost to the local economy.
Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Kevin Gallagher said community sport is an important part of the social fabric of Roma, contributing to health, wellbeing and connection.
“We’re proud to bring the Santos Festival of Rugby back to Roma and share in the passion this community has for the game, while giving regional Australia a chance to experience first-rate rugby in their own backyard,” he said.
“At Santos, we believe in the power of sport to inspire, connect and strengthen the communities in which we operate.
“Events like these also create a ripple effect – with the benefits flowing onto local businesses, tourism and the broader economy.
The two previous Festivals held in Roma attracted more than 6000 visitors to the Maranoa region, injecting almost $2 million into the local economy, through food, beverages, accommodation and fuel.
“This is a celebration of rugby. A celebration of community. We’re looking forward to seeing Roma once again full of people excited to be here,” Kevin Gallagher said.
This year, players and visitors will enjoy a recent upgrade to the facilities at Gallas Fox Park, including new turf and better lighting, with the centrepiece of the festival once again culminating in the high-profile clash between the Queensland Reds and the New South Wales Waratahs.
Reds Flyhalf, Tom Lynagh, said he was looking forward to this year’s event.
“Santos does a great job of creating a festival atmosphere. There’s a good mix of men’s and women’s games. It’s a great experience to meet people in the community, get outside the bubble of professional sport and amongst grassroots footy to inspire country kids,” Mr Lynagh said.
Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said he was delighted to be heading back to Roma.
“To have the chance to return to Roma and celebrate the passion for Rugby in the Maranoa is something our players and staff always love, and we’re so grateful to Santos for bringing the Festival of Rugby to life. This is the best community Rugby activation in Australia,” Mr Hannam said.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be returning to Roma for the 2026 Santos Festival of Rugby,” Waratahs General Manager of Commercial, Adam Fulepp, said.
“The festival has grown year on year and has now become an important part of the Australian rugby calendar, with significant fixtures across the men’s and women’s programs.
“We’re delighted to be able to work with Santos and the Reds once again on this brilliant occasion, where the calibre of fixtures and attending fans contribute to a really positive and fun atmosphere across the two days,” he said.
Tickets will be available via Ticketek in August, with proceeds from ticket sales to help support community grassroots rugby.
2026 Santos Festival of Rugby Schedule
Saturday September 19
9:30am: Queensland vs. New South Wales (Women’s 7s) Game 1
10:00am: Queensland vs. New South Wales Under 19s
12:00pm: Queensland vs. New South Wales (Women’s 7s) Game 2
12:30pm: Classic Wallabies Clinic
1:30pm: Queensland vs. New South Wales (Women’s 7s) Game 3
2:00pm: Vintage Reds vs. Vintage New South Wales (10s)
3:30pm: Queensland vs. New South Wales (Super Rugby Women’s Exhibition)
5:45pm: Queensland vs. New South Wales (Super Rugby AUS)
