Roma is buzzing as it prepares to host the 2022 Santos Festival of Rugby on 11-12 February.
Culminating in a pre-season match between the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs, the annual Roma Rugby 7s tournament will run both days, attracting teams from across the state.
Roma Commerce and Tourism general manager Debbie Joppich said she expected the Santos Festival of Rugby to drive a significant boost in economic activity for the regional town.
She said the influx of visitors would provide “substantial” benefits for all sectors still finding their feet post-Covid such as hospitality, retail and accommodation.
“We are full of energy and excitement for the Santos Festival of Rugby,” Mrs Joppich said. “Events like this are huge for our town and highlight the many great assets we have here.
“Accommodation businesses are already reporting 100 per cent occupancy for that week and pubs and cafes are preparing for their busiest weekend ever.”
According to Mrs Joppich, Roma’s rugby fields at the town’s eastern entrance are “first class” and, with Santos investing in their upgrade, it will bring long term on-going benefits to the town.
Hosted by the Roma Echidnas Rugby Union Club – and in partnership with Santos and Maranoa Regional Council – the two-day festival will entertain fans both on-and-off the field.
Maranoa Regional Council mayor Tyson Golder said the region was “extremely excited” and grateful to have the opportunity to hold the event.
“We look forward to welcoming the Reds and Waratahs, as well as all the Rugby 7s players and spectators to the outback,” Cr Golder said.
“I think it’s wonderful for our region to experience that level of competition in Roma. It’s certainly a big deal for our town.
“Our children are top sportspeople, so many young athletes represent Roma at the highest level, and these are the professional athletes they look up to.
“For them to come to the bush and play rather than us travelling to the city, it means a lot.
“As a council, we also appreciate Santos upgrading Roma’s rugby fields, which will leave a lasting legacy for us to enjoy.”
Santos managing director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said the 2022 festival built on the success of last year’s Narrabri event, which attracted 3500 people and generated $1 million in revenue.
“Sport brings communities together and promotes healthy living and the Santos Festival of Rugby drives a significant boost in economic activity for our regional towns,” Mr Gallagher said.
“In Narrabri, we know the pubs and cafes had their busiest weekends ever, the kids got access to training opportunities with Australian legends and there was a buzz around the whole town.
“Our regional communities are the lifeblood of the country.
“It’s a pleasure to support the Reds and Waratahs as they give back to these towns and we look forward to welcoming even more people in 2022 as Covid restrictions hopefully ease.”
Roma Echidnas Rugby Union club president Richard Bright said it was “great” to build upon the success of the Roma 7s tournament with a festival of rugby in the region.
“We’re looking forward to hosting everyone in Roma for an exciting weekend of rugby and entertainment, culminating in the Reds and Waratahs pre-season fixture at the home of the Echidnas at Gallas Fox Park,” he said.
