BRING ON THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS: International rugby returns to Townsville

11 January 2007

BRING ON THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS: International rugby returns to Townsville

Minister for Sport Andrew Fraser today congratulated the Australian Rugby Union on their decision to hold an Australia A v Japan match at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville.

The match on June 9 is part of the Pacific Nations Cup and marks the return of international rugby at Dairy Farmers Stadium since the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Mr Fraser said the match would provide a massive boost to the code’s profile in the north.

"Townsville showed a great deal of support for rugby union during the World Cup matches played at Dairy Farmers Stadium in 2003 and also during last year’s Queensland Reds Super 14 match so it is great to see a high class match coming to the north,” he said.

“If the people of North Queensland come out on June 9 and support this match, there is every chance that the ARU will bring another match to North Queensland in the coming seasons.

"I congratulate the Mayors of Thuringowa and Townsville for showing their support in bringing international rugby back to Townsville.

“I also commend the ARU on its decision to invest in a ‘heartland’ rugby state such as Queensland."

Mr Fraser said the Queensland Government had invested more than $12 million over the past three years to improve the facilities at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

“This included increasing capacity to 26,000 as well as upgrading the stadium’s lighting to broadcast standards and improving catering concessions around the venue,” he said.

“It is pleasing to see that top quality matches are being attracted to Dairy Farmers Stadium on the back of this investment.”

Media Contact: Selina Steele: 3224 6509 or 0417 752 833