Ex-Wallabies player Barry Honan confident of growth in Gold Coast Rugby and Netball Carnival

Former Wallabies player Barry Honan is tipping a bumper turnout to the annual Gold Coast Rugby and Netball Carnival this winter.

FORMER Wallabies player Barry Honan is tipping a bumper turnout to the annual Gold Coast Rugby and Netball Carnival this winter.

About 110 teams between the two sports are expected to attend the July 7-13 event at the Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre. Rugby sevens will also be included for the first time.

Many teams will travel from interstate and New Zealand to take on locals, with Gold Coast rugby clubs Helensvale and Palm Beach Currumbin among those with several entries.

Honan is the event chairman and has seen it grow from just nine rugby teams in the inaugural 1991 edition.

Local, interstate and international teams will contest the Gold Coast Rugby and Netball Carnival. Picture: Supplied

“It’s the longest-running event of its type in the country,” Honan said.

“We keep stressing the name carnival, like we don’t call it a tournament or competition.

“This is the reason why it has been so popular, it is promoted as a week where whether they are a netball or rugby player, they can come and play the game of their choice and at the same time have a great holiday on the Gold Coast.

“The major trophy which we make a big deal of is the Spirit of Rugby and Spirit of Netball, which is voted on by the managers of all the teams that are there.”