Council celebrates a rugby-filled weekend

Published on 24 September 2026

It was every rugby union fan’s dream weekend come true as the grand Santos Festival of Rugby made another epic return to Roma last Friday and Saturday, 18 – 19 September, 2026. 

For the first time ever, the festival officially kicked off in a buzzing Street Party down Roma’s McDowall Street on Friday night, 18 September. 

Footballs, famous rugby players, and a live band fuelled the community’s excitement with Roma’s main street quickly filling up with people to enjoy the fun on offer. 

The party didn’t stop there as rugby games from the Queensland Reds, and NSW Waratahs, including their full Super Rugby and Super Rugby Women’s squads hit the Roma Gallas Fox Park for a rugby-packed day on Saturday, 19 September.

Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Wendy Taylor said Council is proud to once again be a major sponsor for the Santos Festival of Rugby.

“This festival holds great value for our Maranoa, as bringing in notable rugby union players and high-quality football not only inspires our younger generation in their sporting journeys, but provides great entertainment for the wider community,” Mayor Taylor said. 

“Thank you, Santos, for choosing Roma to host this tremendous event.”

“The Santos Festival of Rugby is a celebration of community, bringing people together through their passion for rugby – not just as spectators but for players at the grassroots level as well.” Santos Managing Director and CEO Kevin Gallagher.

“We’re proud to have brought the Santos Festival of Rugby back to Roma and share in the passion this community has for the game, while giving regional Australia a chance to experience first-rate rugby in their own backyard.”

“At Santos, we believe in the power of sport to inspire, connect and strengthen the communities in which we operate.”

“Celebrating its sixth year the Santos Festival of Rugby generates around $2 million in local economic activity which creates a ripple effect for the communities of Roma and Narrabri with benefits flowing onto local businesses, tourism and the broader economy.”