Darling Downs Rugby

In the early days of Rugby in Queensland, Rugby became the most popular sport because it was the only sport in which we could compete against the other colonies. IN 1887 the major Queensland schools changed from Melbourne Rules to Rugby. Also in 1887 the Toowoomba Rangers Rugby Club and the Augbiny Rugby Club were formed bringing about the birth of Rugby on the Darling Downs. Records exist to confirm that not only were the first games played in Toowoomba in 1887, but records also exist to confirm that the first Toowoomba leadingship Competitions started in 1890.

Also by 1890, 17 years after its formation the Northern Rugby Union consisted of some 70 clubs, fielding 95 teams. Many of the early games played on the Darling Downs were hosted at the Athletic Oval and the old Toowoomba Showground.

2009 was a pivotal year in the history of Darling Downs Rugby as it marked the creation of Downs Rugby Limited in October, 2009 through the merger of the former Darling Downs Junior Rugby Union and Darling Downs Rugby Union. Downs Rugby now oversees the operation of junior, teenage, senior and representative rugby at all levels. A new Board of Directors was established with 6 Directors. There were 15 founding clubs.

Separate subcommittees were set up to advise the Downs Rugby staff on the operation of the junior, teenage, and seniors competitions. Highfields entered a B Grade side for the first time. The founding Board member were: Pat Brown (Chair), Brendan Ryan, Mike Horan, Paul Tindall, Justin Garvie and Matt Strahorn.

In 2010 Downs Rugby relocated their offices from the Mary Street office to unit 5, 189 Anzac Avenue, Toowoomba. Registered player numbers were at a high with approximately 1,282 registered juniors and 944 registered seniors. The Darling Downs under 15 representative side finished third at the State Championships.

2011 saw the reintroduction of the UQ Gatton A Grade team who combined with the Highfields Club. South Burnett stepped up to B Grade and combined with the Warwick A Grade side. Chinchilla entered a C Grade in the competition and combined with the Condamine Club. For the first time a Darling Downs Development Officer was located fulltime in the Toowoomba office.

Two new club development officers were engaged as part of the State Government's Jobs Plan programme The prestigious 2011 State Teenage Championships were succesfully hosted at Downlands where 1,200 players and officials participated.

In 2012 we were fortunate to host a second State Championships and in 2013 the year started on a high with the hosting of the St George Queensland Reds playing the Auckland Blues at the Toowoomba Sports Ground on 2 February, 2013.