Herbert MP Phillip Thompson pledges $2.2 million for upgrade to female facilities at Townsville rugby club

An 18-year-old Townsville rugby gun has thrown her support behind a bold $2.2m election pledge to deliver proper female change rooms at her club, as more girls than ever charge onto the field.

Townsville and District Rugby Union Club players Jenna Poole, Bella Canning and Sophia Webb with Federal MP for Herbert Phillip Thompson. Picture: Nikita McGuire

Having played rugby for three years and fallen in love with the sport, 18-year-old Jenna Poole said an election funding pledge to create better female change rooms at her clubhouse would be a “great benefit”.

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson pledged $2.2 million if re-elected for the construction of female amenities and change rooms at Townsville Rugby Union’s centre on Hugh Street, which hasn’t been updated since 1978.

Ms Poole said it was an essential upgrade to ensure the popularity of the sport in Townsville continues.

“We’re just continuing to grow and have change rooms and facilities is only get us better, become a more inviting environment and it’s very essential to pre-game and after the game,” she said.

Mr Thompson said the funding would go towards demolition of the existing “outdated” facilities, bar and change room areas and the construction of “modern, inclusive amenities” with showers and toilets.

With the largest female rugby union participation base in regional Queensland, comprised of 300 junior girls and 200 senior women, Mr Thompson said “for too long women have had to get changed in their car or behind the trees” due to lack of adequate facilities.

Rugby World Cup Announcement at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Jenna Poole. Picture: Evan Morgan

With women travelling from Ingham, Charters Towers and Ayr to compete in games and tournaments, he said it was important to have a comfortable, modern space.

“Female participation in sport is about building confidence and showing young girls they belong on the field. This upgrade will ensure Townsville remains a leader in women’s Rugby Union and inspires the next generation,” Mr Thompson said.

“I think it’s extremely important that from young girls to women, all have the ability to have the same amenities as the blokes.”

“These young girls that are dedicated in this sport train like everyone else, play games just as hard and should have the facilities to be able to prepare, get ready, play and then relax while they cheer on the other teams.”

The Currajong centre is already a rugby union hub for North Queensland, hosting over 10,000 junior and 5,000 senior participants from around the region each year.

President of Townsville and District Rugby Union Ben McMahon said participation at the club is nearly at 50/50 male and female, citing the urgent need for fit-for-purpose change rooms.

“It’s transformative for us” he said.

“We’ve got the Queensland County Championships being hosted in Townsville this year, 2025/26, and we’ve got women from all around the country coming to that …”

Mr McMahon encouraged any girls or women who wanted to give rugby a go to get involved.

“We offer an inclusive, friendly environment for people to come and enjoy and try the sport,” he said.

“It’s really empowering and I am really proud to be a part of it.”

Originally published as Herbert MP Phillip Thompson pledges $2.2 million for upgrade to female facilities at Townsville rugby club