The community of Narrabri is poised for a boom in visitor numbers and economic activity as the Santos Festival of Rugby arrives in the regional centre this weekend.
Now in its fifth year, the Festival of Rugby has become a fixture on the national and regional Rugby calendars.
The centrepiece of the Festival will be a game between the Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs Super Rugby men’s and women’s teams who will face off for the Santos Cup in highly anticipated battles.
Santos, in partnership with the New South Wales Rugby Union, Queensland Rugby Union and Narrabri Shire Council, has seen the Festival grow to become one of the biggest annual Rugby and community events in regional Australia.
Already, hotel rooms in Narrabri have reached 100 per cent occupancy for the weekend, as thousands prepare to descend on the northern NSW centre for a weekend of first-rate sport, community activities and a thriving street party on Friday night.
Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said the Festival will bring people and communities across the region together and it will deliver a significant economic boost for local businesses.
“More than 3,600 people attended the inaugural Santos Festival of Rugby in Narrabri and with pavilion ticket sales already sold out for Saturday and Sunday, we anticipate higher numbers for this weekend’s event.”
“The Festival has a strong track record of injecting direct and indirect spend into local businesses in Narrabri.”
Narrabri Shire Council Mayor, Darrell Tiemens welcomes the community’s economic boost that the Festival brings.
“Accommodation in Narrabri will reach 100 per cent occupancy this weekend and that’s a real economic boost for our local hospitality and tourism businesses.”
“Narrabri Shire looks forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from interstate and across New South Wales.”
“We are very proud to be hosting this event and hope everyone has a fantastic time”.
Launched in 2021 the Santos Festival of Rugby alternates between the regional towns of Narrabri, NSW, and Roma, QLD – where Santos operates and is part of the community.
2025 marks the fifth year of the Festival and the third time Narrabri will host.
Premium General Admission tickets for the Taylors Wines Pavilion were offered for the first time this year and sold out for Saturday and Sunday in just two days.
The annual celebration of rugby will also include the Narrabri Blue Boars up against the Classic Wallabies, men’s and women’s Super Rugby battles, and four Women’s Rugby Sevens matches.
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