Ballymore’s rugby rebirth as Olympic future beckons

Work has started on the next exciting chapter in the proud story of Queensland’s home of rugby, Ballymore.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has helped the turn the first sod for the $31.5 million Ballymore National Rugby Training Centre and new McLean Stand.

“Ballymore’s long history of great rugby moments will merge into a new phase of sporting excellence on the road to the 2032 Olympic Games,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This high-performance facility will be an elite training centre, a community sporting hub, and an attractive destination for teams leading into the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup, the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and of course the Olympics with Ballymore marked as a hockey venue.

“And the new stand will keep the McLean name, honouring one of the most famous families in Queensland rugby.

“The rebirth of Ballymore has begun.”

The NRTC project is jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments and Queensland Rugby Union.

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said construction would support more than 100 jobs and deliver on a Palaszczuk Government election commitment.  

“Ballymore’s hallowed ground has cultivated some of the world’s greatest rugby players and that tradition will continue,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Queensland Reds men’s and women’s Super Rugby teams will train here. 

“As the new headquarters of the Australian women’s team – the Wallaroos - Ballymore’s high-performance centre becomes a centre of excellence for rugby’s elite female stars of the future.

“Investment in premium facilities like the National Rugby Training Centre sends a strong message to young women that with elite training support, determination and ability, they can achieve their dreams on the national and world stage.

“The transformation is also primed to help the next generation of Olympic competitors maximise Queensland representation at Brisbane’s 2032 Games.”  

It’s the first stage of a sweeping revamp of the famous Herston site, with swimming and sport climbing facilities

The 3010-person capacity integrated grandstand replaces the old McLean Stand.

The facility will include a 700m2 elite gym, aquatic recovery centre, a 75-seat auditorium and a 120-person capacity function room and player’s lounge.

The NRTC has been designed to easily move between a high-performance centre and the centrepiece of a 15,000-capacity stadium, with meeting rooms that convert into game-day suites.

Member for McConnel Grace Grace said Ballymore is one of Brisbane’s most valued and important sites.

“Rugby fans, fans of all sports, and the community will be delighted to know the future of this famous ground is assured,” Ms Grace said.

Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said the masterplan sets up rugby in Queensland for a sustainable future.

“We see Ballymore as the centre of Brisbane’s Silicon Valley of sport and wellbeing – a place where Olympians can train and compete in a world-class facility,” he said.

“With the growth of women’s and men’s elite sport and community sport, Ballymore can provide a cost-effective and central venue option for Brisbane, as well as continuing to be the home of our Hospital Cup finals and community game.”

ENDS

Media contact: Darren Roberts 0427 475 089