Downlands College Rugby to Represent Australia
A Life-Changing Opportunity on the World Stage
Downlands College is proud to announce that our Rugby First XV has been selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament in Fukuoka, Japan, an extraordinary honour extended to only one school per country. For our players, this is more than a tournament; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow, compete, and represent their country at the pinnacle of youth rugby.
Participating in the Sanix tournament places our students among the world’s elite, opening doors to new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and personal growth. They will not only test their skills against the best, but also immerse themselves in Japanese culture, build international connections, and develop the values of teamwork, leadership, and global citizenship.
“The Downlands College Rugby program is unlike any other in Queensland and perhaps Australia. We don’t compete in a formal league; instead, we embrace a unique approach, playing as many fixtures as possible throughout the year and seeking opportunities for growth, whether nationally or internationally,” says Mr Domenico Cullen, First XV Coach.
“This philosophy has led to extraordinary achievements and being selected to represent Australia in two of the past three years is an immense honour, not only for our program, but for the entire College. It offers our players a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in global tournaments, testing themselves against some of the world’s top schools and players. These experiences demand adaptability, adjusting to unfamiliar environments, cuisines, traditions, and diverse playing styles in a short timeframe. This level of challenge fosters growth that simply cannot be replicated in local competitions. For us, it is a privilege and an honour, and we remain committed to representing Downlands College with pride on every stage.”
Join us as we celebrate the heart, spirit, and ambition of our players. By supporting Downlands College on this global stage, you uplift not only a team, but an entire community striving for excellence.
Why Partner with Downlands Rugby?
Global Exposure: The tournament attracts worldwide media coverage and attention from rugby scouts. Alumni of this competition have gone on to shine at the Rugby World Cup. Past participants have gone on to represent their countries at the Rugby World Cup, including Jack Nowell (England), JP Pietersen (South Africa), and Owen Franks (New Zealand).
Cultural Exchange: Players live and socialise together at the Global Arena complex, forming lifelong international bonds and experiencing rich cultural traditions.
Prestige and Legacy: Sponsoring Downlands College Rugby aligns your brand with excellence, aspiring leaders, and the international sporting community. It’s a chance to support not just a team, but a transformative experience for young athletes who will carry these lessons into their future.
Community Impact: Your support helps cover crucial travel and training costs, ensuring every deserving student can participate, regardless of circumstance. This is an investment in youth, sport, and the future of Australian rugby.
