NSW Juniors are pleased to announce that Orange will once again be the venue for our 2020 Under 14 Positive Rugby Foundation NSW Junior State Championships. Orange Emus will host the 2020 tournament at Endeavour Oval (84 Woodward Street, Orange) and this will mark a decade of our Junior State Championships being held in Orange. Penny Fisher (Life member of Central West Junior Rugby) will again be the official tournament Competition Manager for NSW Juniors.

Orange City Council have been a great supporter of NSW Juniors and in bringing these State Championships to the 'Colour City' each year. Orange Mayor Cr Reg Kidd said the community of Orange was ready to welcome families from across the state to Orange over the June long weekend.

“Orange is well known for the quality of its sporting facilities and the warmth of its welcome,” Cr Reg Kidd said. “There’ll be many spectators on the sidelines and plenty to entertain family members in between games.

“Whether it’s a visit to a local vineyards, a relaxed meal at a cafe or a browse around the shops, families coming to Orange over the long weekend in June will find much to see and do.”

“Especially in times of drought, it’s important to get away from the farm and enjoy special family times together, and the junior state championships offer a great opportunity for that. Like other regional centre's, Orange is feeling the impact of the drought, and this event will be a major shot-in-the-arm for local businesses.”

“The Rugby community of Orange have been volunteering to assist with the running of this event for many years now. It takes many people to prepare grounds, run canteens, first aid, and the many other jobs of hosting a tournament on this size.

“It brings hundreds of players and families to Orange and that is a substantial boost to the Orange community. I certainly cannot remember missing a year, and I’ll certainly be there this year.”

The event traditionally brings about 16 to 18 teams to Orange each year (from all around the State), which in itself is over 500 players and officials converging on the town. But generally the tournament has a holiday type atmosphere which brings the entire family along for the weekend, swelling the supporter numbers into the thousands. NSW Juniors President Ben Gregory said the event is one of the highlights of the Junior calendar.

"We are so pleased to work with Orange City Council and the two junior clubs (Emus and City) to keep bringing the State Champs back to Orange each year. It is a magnificent venue and I know lots of families look forward to their annual pilgrimage to Orange."

"The rugby is always of great quality and the attractions around Orange always have something special for the rest of the family too."

Orange City Council’s Sport & Recreation Committee chair Cr Jason Hamling is delighted Orange is hosting the event again.

“I’m told it’s the tenth year the under fourteens state titles are coming in Orange,” Cr Jason Hamling said, “and it’s great to see the start of a new sporting tradition emerge.”

“I’m sure families who’ve come to Orange with their older sons in past years, are now looking forward to  making the trip again with younger rugby-playing members of the family.”

ORANGE EVENTS – Visitor Information

Where to stay

Choose from over 2,000 beds available across 120 accommodation providers ranging from hotels, motels, self-contained apartments, cottages,cabins and camp sites.  Book here.

‍What to see

While in Orange don’t miss out on our family friendly locations and activities. The Orange Aquatic Centre is a popular all-year-round venue as is the Adventure Playground and Botanic Garden. Lake Canobolas and Gosling Creek are great outdoor locations with BBQ and picnic facilities. Orange Mini Golf, Orange Tenpin Bowl and the John Lomas Skate Park are also popular with families. The more adventurous might like bush walking on Mt Canobolas or exploring the Borenore Caves.

For more information on the Orange region, download a copy of our Orange Visitor Guide.

‍Where to eat

Orange offers an excellent range of cafes, restaurants, popular eateries, pubs, clubs and bistros – perfect for families and group bookings. Check out the possibilities here.

If you’d like to sample some of our cool climate Orange Wines at 30+ cellar doors, you’ll find all the details in our Wine and Food Guide.

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