One of Queensland’s rugby league’s greatest nurseries has welcomed a new major partner for its next three schools carnivals.
Confraternity Carnival today announced that Australian Catholic University would be the naming-rights partner for the next three years, starting with this year’s event at Marist College, Ashgrove.
“Confro”, run by Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League, will feature 56 boys’ teams and 16 girls’ teams from Catholic and Independent schools across Queensland at its 2026 carnival. More than 1800 players and coaching staff are expected at the 46th carnival.
The partnership with ACU is another major step for the Confraternity Carnival which began in 1980, establishing its reputation as a statewide gathering of school rugby league teams that play in the “Spirit of Confraternity”.
In its four decades, Confraternity Carnival has become one of the nation’s best rugby league nurseries. Eight Confro graduates played in the Maroons team that won the 2025 State of Origin series: Cameron Munster (Emmaus College, Rockhampton), Valentine Holmes and Gehamat Shibasaki (Ignatius Park College, Townsville), Harry Grant and Kurt Mann (St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon), Daly Cherry-Evans (St Patrick’s College, Mackay), Lindsay Collins (Padua College, Kedron) and Xavier Coates (Marymount College, Burleigh Waters).
QISSRL President Peter Elmore said the partnership with Australian Catholic University underlined the growth of the Carnival since the inaugural gathering brought together six schools in 1980.
“We welcome ACU as the naming rights sponsor of a Carnival that has been a positive experience in the lives of so many young families over more than 40 years” Mr Elmore said.
“The Carnival is about more than rugby league. It’s a true confraternity in the way that it brings together schools from across Queensland in an environment in which fair play, respect and fellowship are most highly valued.
“We look forward to partnering with ACU for the next three years and we thank them for their support of a carnival that has always been very well supported by faith-based schools across Queensland.”
Australian Catholic University Brisbane Campus Dean Professor Susan Dann AM said the university was proud to support the Confraternity Shield.
“This iconic event brings together faith-based schools from across the state, celebrating sporting excellence and championing friendship and fair play,” Professor Dann said.
“We are delighted to be an integral part of an event that means so much to young players and their communities.
“This event reflects the values at the heart of Catholic education – service, community and respect.”
The 2026 Confraternity Carnival will start with the opening ceremony and Mass at Marist College, Ashgrove on Sunday 28 June followed by play from Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July.
