NSW Juniors, Dubbo Regional Council and Dubbo Roos Rugby Junior Club are excited announce that Dubbo will be hosting the 2020 Positive Rugby Foundation NSW Junior Rugby U13 State Championships for the first time. Previously, the event has been held in places such as Maitland, Nelson Bay, Tamworth and Sydney, with the event expected to bring millions of dollars to the local economy.

Held at Apex Oval, the event has received high-level support from Dubbo Regional Council, to the tune of $15,000, to help promote the event, and attract more people to the region.

“This event is expected to draw more than 3,500 visitors to the region, staying an average of three nights. That will bring more than $2 million into the local economy, which is fantastic to see at a time when things are tight,” said Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields.

Dubbo has hosted large events like this in the past, including the A-League, and the Koori Knockout, however, this is the first time the Positive Rugby Foundation NSW Under 13s Junior Rugby State Championships have come to the region.

“Hosting the junior rugby championships will continue to elevate Dubbo’s reputation as an ‘epicentre for events’, and amplify Apex Oval as a premier sporting event venue in regional New South Wales,” Clr Shields said.

President of NSW Junior Rugby Union, and Director of NSW Rugby Union, Ben Gregory, says Dubbo was chosen for a number of reasons. These include the enormous opportunities that Dubbo provides as a growth centre and gateway to western NSW.

“Dubbo, and the Central West, has a strong rugby presence and the Dubbo Roos and their committee are a keen and progressive bunch whom will be magnificent hosts for our Junior Showpiece. With the support of Dubbo Regional Council we have a magnificent opportunity to bring a large rugby contingent to Dubbo and showcase Dubbo to the wider rugby community.”

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Young players and their families will be coming from all over the state to compete in Dubbo, with representative teams coming from other NSW Country Zones, Sydney Districts (such as Norths and Randwick) as well as teams from the ACT and Melbourne.

President of the Junior Rugby Club in Dubbo Jason Blake says it will be a great opportunity to host teams in Dubbo.

“This will allow people from Dubbo and surrounds to witness some high-quality rugby here in our backyard, instead of going to Sydney. We’re exceptionally proud to be able to have an affiliation with NSW Rugby and Dubbo Regional Council to bring this event to the region,” said Mr Blake.

The championships will be held from 6-8 June, 2020 at Apex Oval.

Interviews and vision of the announcement are available: here

Dubbo Regional Council is proud to support the Positive Rugby Foundation NSW Under 13s Junior Rugby State Championships. To help teams prepare for the June Long Weekend, the following information is provided for players,officials and supporters.

‍Where to stay | There are over 4,000 beds available across 70 accommodation providers ranging from hotels, motels,self-contained apartments to camping and cabins.  Choose a place to stay.

Where to stay | The new and exciting Dubbo Region Great Big Adventure Pass offers 4 attractions at 1 great price! The multi-ticket to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience and Wellington Cave is available for purchase prior to the June Long Weekend. Find out how to get to Dubbo.

‍What to see | The new and exciting Dubbo Region Great Big Adventure Pass offers 4 attractions at 1 great price!  The multi-ticket to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience and Wellington Cave is available for purchase prior to the June Long Weekend.  Click here for more information.

‍Where to eat | Dubbo boasts an excellent range of cafes, restaurants, popular eateries, pubs, clubs and bistros – perfect for a family night out. Select from our menu.

 For more information on where to stay, what to do and where to eat over the June Long Weekend, download a copy of the Dubbo Region’s Visitor Guide.

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