Mackay to host Queensland Rugby Union state championships

Mackay is set to play host to a major junior state championships, with 16 teams to descend on the region in September.

Mackay is set to play an important role in the development of future Olympians, with a state junior championship set for September.

Queensland Rugby Union has announced Mackay will host the 2021 Queensland Rugby Union Junior Girls State Championships, with games set to be played at BB Print Stadium.

Queensland Rugby Union general manager Gaven Head said female participation was at an all-time high, and the competition would promote the sport more.

“Members of the Australian Women’s Sevens team that competed at the Tokyo Olympics have participated in the Girls’ State Championships in previous years,” he said.

“With Queensland to host the Olympics in 2032 it is likely that the 2021 Mackay event will be the first step in an Olympic journey for girls from the Gold Coast to the Peninsula and West.”

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the council was excited to play host to elite women’s sporting competitions.

“Our region has hosted a number of elite-level women’s sporting competitions in the past, from Big Bash League matches featuring the Brisbane Heat to AFLW games,” he said.

“We are excited to welcome some of Australia’s future women’s rugby union stars to Mackay … and we are proud to play a role in their player development.”

The state championships will have 16 teams converge on the region, with under-15s and under-17s the two competitions to run on September 24-25.