2026 U18 Boys Expression of Interest Form

The Ballymore Cup enters a new era in 2026, evolving into an invitational XVs tournament for schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to regular, competitive rugby. After years of growth and development, the competition has been refreshed to ensure a high-quality, meaningful experience for all participating schools.

The 2026 U18 Boys event will feature 16 teams, competing in a format designed to maximise game time and deliver strong, balanced competition across the weekend.

Tournament Format (2026):

• 16 teams divided into 4 pools of 4
• Each team plays three pool matches
• Top 2 teams from each pool progress to the Cup Quarterfinals
• Bottom 2 teams from each pool move into Bowl & Plate semifinals
• All teams play through to final placing matches, ensuring a full and competitive tournament for every school

Expressions of Interest:

Entries for the 2026 Ballymore Cup will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so schools are encouraged to submit their EOI as early as possible to secure their place.

Please complete the form below to register your school’s interest in participating in the 2026 Ballymore Cup.

Dates: Thursday 16th April 2026 to Saturday 18th April 2026

Venue: Albany Creek Rugby Union Club (South Pine Sports Complex, Brendale QLD 4500 & Les Hughes Sports Complex, Francis Road, Bray Park 4500) C).

Grades: U18 Boys

Squad Size:  Up to 25 Players/squad (23 nominated per game)

Entry Fee: TBC 

 

Entry Conditions:

All students must be enrolled at the school in which they are participating 

All teams must comply with Queensland Rugby Union Competition rules as sent out after registration.  Following registration, schools will be invoiced and team nomination will be confirmed upon payment of the entry fee.

2026 Ballymore Cup – Terms and Conditions

1. Schools will agree to participate in all categories that they have nominated for.
2. Each team will be invoiced 4 weeks before the start date of the tournament.
3. Invoices must be paid within 2 weeks of being received.
4. If any team decides to withdraw a team(s) within fourteen (14) days of the tournament start date, they will forfeit their entry fee for that particular team(s).
5. Registrations will close 1 month prior to the tournament date or once the tournament reaches capacity.
6. All teams must comply with the competition rules sent out by the competition manager prior to the start of the carnival.
7. All coaching staff must have a minimum of Smart Rugby & an Annual Season Ready accreditation or agree to undertake and complete these accreditations (online via the Rugby Australia Online Learning Centre) prior to commencing training and undertaking matches.
8. All schools participating in any Queensland Rugby Union competitions or Queensland Rugby Union sanctioned events are responsible for ensuring any coaches in their program hold a current Blue Card and a minimum of Smart Rugby/Tackle accreditation.
9. School team staff agree to comply and abide by the following policies:
10. Player Dispensation Guidelines
11. Rugby Australia Concussion Management Guidelines
12. Smart Rugby Policy
13. Rugby Australia Size for Age Policy
14. All teams are responsible for scoring their games using the Rugby Xplorer Match Day App during the tournament. Each team must ensure that the app is correctly set up prior to the commencement of the tournament and that match results are entered accurately and promptly after each game.