International rugby returns to Coffs Harbour this Saturday 11 April 2026, as the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby reaches its grand finale at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium. This marquee event serves as the highlight of a regional festival that has already staged matches across Grafton and Kempsey, marking the second year of a three-year partnership between the City of Coffs Harbour and NSW Rugby Union.
The gates will open at 5pm for a double-header of matches, offering an affordable evening of sport with general admission tickets starting at just $5 for children and concession holders. The first match sees the Australian Stockmen face off against the Fiji Under 20s, followed by the main event at 7pm featuring the Australia Under 20 side against a Japan Under 23 squad led by former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.
These fixtures are a vital part of the preparations for the upcoming U20 Rugby Championship and the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia. The festival also serves as a major fundraising effort for Rugby For Good, a community initiative that supports local programs focused on homelessness support, youth justice, and mental health.
Australia’s Under 20 squad, coached by Chris Whitaker, has spent the week in Coffs Harbour preparing for the match, while the visiting Japanese team has utilised the city as its high-performance training base. Residents and visitors are encouraged to head to the stadium to support the international talent and the ongoing development of the sport across regional communities.
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