Roma rugby club's $750k transformation plans unveiled

Maranoa Regional Council has thrown their support behind a $750,000 Roma sports facility upgrade to be shown off during the 2026 Santos Festival of Rugby.

Matt Bougoure crossed for Rangers' match-winning try against Roma in the Risdon Cup preliminary final at Gallas Fox Park in 2019.

The Roma Rugby Union Football Club will progress with major upgrades to their home ground after securing a $750,000 grant and support from council.

Earlier this year the club received the funding through the federal government’s Play Our Way Program to upgrade facilities at Gallas Fox Park and applied for the Maranoa Regional Council’s support with getting the upgrades off the ground.

In a special council meeting earlier this month council resolved to support the Roma Rugby Union Football Club’s project through both financial and non-financial assistance.

The support to a maximum value of $37,030 will includes contractor works such as tree removal, a stormwater management plan, a flood study, and surveying, along with in-kind contributions like waiver of fees, fence removal, irrigation assistance, and turf laying.

The project will also include upgrades to the fields, player rooms, and lighting.

Spokesman for Sport and Recreation, councillor Peter Flynn, said council recognised the important role community sport plays in health, wellbeing, and social connection across the Maranoa.

“Roma Rugby Union Football Club’s project will enhance sporting infrastructure in Roma, helping to provide more inclusive and accessible facilities for women, girls, and the wider community,” Mr Flynn said.

“Supporting local clubs in delivering projects of this kind ensures our region continues to have safe, fit-for-purpose facilities that encourage participation in sport and active

lifestyles.

“Maranoa Regional Council congratulates the Roma Rugby Union Club on its initiative and the work undertaken to secure significant external funding to progress such a major project in the community.

“Council is happy to stand alongside the club as it delivers these initiatives that will benefit the region into the future.”

The project is expected to be completed by February 2026 to align with the Roma Rugby 7s tournament with the facilities to be showcased during the Santos Festival of Rugby in September 2026.

Originally published as Roma rugby club's $750k transformation plans unveiled