Rugby league’s famous Confraternity Carnival will return to the Gold Coast for the third time after Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League awarded the hosting rights for the 2027 event.
Aquinas College, Ashmore will host the 47th “Confro”, starting with the opening ceremony and Mass on Sunday 27 June 2027 followed by play from Monday 28 June to Friday 2 July. Games will be played at Runaway Bay.
This will be the second Confraternity Carnival to be sponsored by Australian Catholic University in its multi-year partnership with QISSRL.
The Gold Coast will host the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) carnival during the same week in 2027, ensuring the city will feature athletes, coaching and support staff and families from across the state. QISSRL has thanked Experience Gold Coast for its support in bringing the carnivals to the region.
Aquinas College is a Confro original, winning the first two Confraternity Shields in 1980 and 1981. Aquinas College was one of only six schools to contest the first carnival. The event has grown to feature 56 schools in the boys’ carnival and 16 schools in girls’ divisions.
Confraternity Carnival was played on the Gold Coast for the first time in 2003 before returning in 2014 when Aquinas College made its hosting debut. Future NRL players to have played in Gold Coast carnivals include Harry Grant (St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon), Trai Fuller (St Brendan’s College), Jaiyden Hunt (St Thomas More College, Sunnybank) and Ben and Jesse Marschke (Shalom College, Bundaberg).
Dozens of Queensland State of Origin players are Confro graduates, including the likes of Grant and his Melbourne Storm teammates Cameron Munster (Emmaus College, Rockhampton) and Xavier Coates (Marymount College, Burleigh Waters) while the Carnival has produced more than 140 NRL players.
QISSRL President Peter Elmore said he was delighted that Aquinas College would host the Carnival.
“This Carnival grows in size every year and we are grateful that Aquinas College will host the 2027 event,” Mr Elmore said. “This Carnival provides a significant economic injection for host cities with more than 1600 players and coaching staff participating along with their many family members who attend for the week.
“We saw again in Rockhampton last year how much this Carnival meant to the players, their coaches and to their families. Memories are made at this Carnival that remain with the players for years.
“The Gold Coast has a wonderful history of education and of participation in rugby league. We are looking forward to next year.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “It’s a double celebration for the coast as we welcome the QISSN Netball Carnival and Confraternity Rugby League Carnival. These carnivals bring together the state’s best young athletes, showcasing talent, teamwork and school pride at the highest level. I encourage everyone to share in the celebrations as friendships are forged on the sporting fields.”
Aquinas College Principal Marcus Richardson said the 2027 Carnival participants would be welcomed to the Gold Coast.
“We look forward to welcoming Confraternity Carnival back to the Gold Coast,” Mr Richardson said. “The Aquinas College community is warm and welcoming and we understand the importance of this carnival for the players, coaches and their families.
“The Confraternity Carnival is a celebration of sportsmanship, our community and the values that define our Catholic education. At Aquinas College, we are committed to fostering an environment in which every individual feels valued and part of our extended family.
“Our dedicated staff will go above and beyond to ensure that this Carnival is a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved.”
