A new under 10s competition has helped drive record participation at this year’s TAS Rugby Carnival, with 69 teams set to compete in Armidale later this month.
The two-day event, hosted by The Armidale School on 18–19 April, is now firmly established as the largest primary-aged rugby carnival in Australia.
The addition of the under 10s division has attracted 11 teams from across New South Wales and Queensland, including sides travelling from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, reflecting strong demand for opportunities at younger age levels.
The new division will complement the long-running under 12s competition, which will feature 40 club and school teams, alongside girls Sevens competitions that continue to grow in popularity.
TAS Rugby Carnival manager Rachael Edmonds said expanding the event to include younger players had been a natural step.
“Under 10s is a really good age to start rugby development when players are starting to tackle and learn positions and their parents are also starting to decide what winter sport their children will play,” she said.
“With a number of games across the two days, the carnival really gives them the opportunity to learn and develop skills in a fun and friendly environment with a carnival atmosphere.”
Across the weekend, almost 1,200 players are expected to take to the field in more than 340 games, spread across 10 fields at The Armidale School.
The event will also rely on a large volunteer workforce, including 155 coaches and managers, 35 developing referees and 46 school staff assisting as field managers and scorers.
Off the field, the carnival is expected to draw around 3,000 visitors to Armidale, delivering a significant boost to the local economy.
TAS Principal Ray Pearson said the school was mindful that families travelling to the event were doing so under challenging conditions.
“With the current situation, we consulted with local, state and federal government representatives about the carnival and are grateful for their support for it to go ahead,” he said.
He noted the event’s importance as both a grassroots sporting opportunity and an economic contributor, estimated to bring more than $3 million into the local economy.
“We do thank all who are coming to be as considerate as possible by purchasing fuel along the way but not buying more than needed; carpool if possible, and enjoy walking around Armidale rather than driving – it is a beautiful time in our city.”
Accommodation will be at capacity during the carnival, with around 700 players staying on site at TAS and others spread across local facilities and accommodation providers.
In addition to the rugby, the carnival will feature an Emporium with 25 regional stallholders, along with food stalls and coffee vans supporting the large crowds expected over the two days.
Mrs Edmonds said the scale of the event reflects a significant community effort.
“It takes a village to make it happen,” she said, acknowledging the contribution of staff, volunteers and families who support the carnival each year.
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