Reds and Waratahs to hold pre-season match in Dalby

Western Downs Regional Council has welcomed the opportunity to host a pre-season trial match between the Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs Rugby Union Teams in Dalby this coming January.

The game will be held on Friday 24 January, as they ramp-up preparations for their 2020 Super Rugby campaign.

The Reds will hit the Darling Downs earlier in the week with community activities and open training sessions scheduled throughout the region in the lead-up to the match.

Mayor Paul McVeigh said that Council is very pleased to support this event, which will bring the whole community together.

“We are keen to support Queensland Rugby Union in bringing the Reds and Waratahs out to our fabulous region for the first time, to see why we’re so proud to call this place our home,” he said.

Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said that they were looking forward to bringing the Queensland Reds to Dalby.

“This team represents all regions across Queensland and it’s important for us to connect with communities like Dalby,” he said.

“The Darling Downs has a strong participation base and is a breeding ground for Rugby talent.

“Harry Hoopert played for the Dalby Wheatmen, while Hamish Stewart hails from Toowoomba.”

Mayor McVeigh also confirmed that this event will be a boost to the local economy, with visitors expected to come and stay overnight in the region.

“We are anticipating around 3,000 people to come and watch this event, many of whom will be travelling from other regional centres.

“While the visitors are here, they will be shopping at our local businesses, which will be a big help to our towns with the current drought conditions being experienced in the Western Downs region.

“In addition, it is an opportunity to provide a fun, family-friendly local event for our social connection.

“Council looks forward to working with local clubs and community groups to prepare for this exciting event.”

More details will be announced soon, once planning has been finalised.

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Melanie Coultas          Acting Communications & Marketing Manager    0419 048 594