A top-level tournament, the game will feature Bond University Queensland Country as they take on opponents Brisbane City from 4pm, Saturday, 28 September.

The match is the annual Queensland derby in the NRC and will see the two sides contest the Andy Purcell Cup, named after the former Queensland Rugby administrator and coach, who helped shape the pathway for country Rugby players.

Cementing its place as a premier sporting venue in Central Queensland, Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said Gladstone has scored again, attracting another major sporting event to the region.

“There’s something very exciting about our iconic Marley Brown Oval hosting a Rugby game of this prestige,” Councillor Burnett said.

“It highlights you don’t need to live in a metropolitan area to have access to high calibre sporting events, we can host them right here in Gladstone.”

Cr Burnett said the round robin tournament, hosted by Rugby Australia is a competition for players following the Super Rugby season.

“The game will be live streamed by Rugby Australia, highlighting Gladstone as the regional area of choice for sporting events,” he said.

Cr Burnett said it wouldn’t be the only game taking place on the day, with a local preliminary game and women’s 7s game planned to showcase the much-loved sport.

“It gives players from Central Queensland the chance to play in front of a full stadium, and in front of some of Australia’s top rugby union talent,” he said.

Queensland Country Head Coach Rod Seib said the team are excited to be heading to Central Queensland.

“We’re really looking forward to taking our annual Queensland derby clash against Brisbane City to Gladstone and engaging with the local Central Queensland Rugby community,” he said.

“Queensland Country represents all the regional areas in Queensland and it’s special to be able to travel each year and take games to different cities and towns around the state.

“We thank Gladstone Regional Council for their support in helping Queensland Rugby bring this game to life.”

Tickets will be on sale from Friday, 30 August and will be available for purchase online or through the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre. For more information, visit
https://gladstoneentertainment.com/events-3/