2009 and Beyond – The New Era – Downs Rugby Limited
2009 was a pivotal year in the history of Darling Downs Rugby as it marked the creation of Downs Rugby Limited in October, 2009 through the merger of the former Darling Downs Junior Rugby Union and Darling Downs Rugby Union. Downs Rugby now oversees the operation of junior, teenage, senior and representative rugby at all levels. A new Board of Directors was established with 6 Directors. There were 15 founding clubs. Separate sub committees were set up to advise the Downs Rugby staff on the operation of the junior, teenage and seniors competitions. Highfields entered a B Grade side for the first time. The founding Board member were: Pat Brown (Chair), Brendan Ryan, Mike Horan, Paul Tindall, Justin Garvie and Matt Strahorn.
In 2010 Downs Rugby relocated their offices from the Mary Street office to unit 5, 189 Anzac Avenue, Toowoomba. Registered player numbers were at a high with approximately 1,282 registered juniors and 944 registered seniors. The Darling Downs under 15 representative side finished third at the State Championships.
2011 saw the reintroduction of the UQ Gatton A Grade team who combined with the Highfields Club. South Burnett stepped up to B Grade and combined with the Warwick A Grade side. Chinchilla entered a C Grade in the competition and combined with the Condamine Club. For the first time a Darling Downs Development Officer was located full-time in the Toowoomba office. Two new club development officers were engaged as part of the State Government’s Jobs Plan programme The prestigious 2011 State Teenage Championships were successfully hosted at Downlands where 1,200 players and officials participated.
In 2012 we were fortunate to host a second State Championships and in 2013 the year started on a high with the hosting of the St George Queensland Reds playing the Auckland Blues at the Toowoomba Sports Ground on 2 February, 2013. In 2014 the season was kicked off early when the Darling Downs hosted the St George Queensland Reds who took on the Waikato Chiefs at the Toowoomba Sports Ground on the 8th February in the first preseason their preseason matches.
The 2016 season started with major excitement and anticipation as a number of Darling Downs locals were selected to take on the Rio Olympics in Women’s Rugby Sevens. As the girls went on to win Gold in the final many young girls are now involved with the sport and intrigued to where it could take them. Downs Rugby’s women’s competition earning it’s name from Gold Medallist Emillee Cherry and the 3-2-1 Best & Fairest Medal, from Gemma Etheridge (Noller).
In 2017, Downs Rugby Limited purchased a house on the corner of James and Geddes Street, diagonally-opposite the Federal Hotel. Extensive works commenced and has been colloquially-dubbed “Downs Rugby House”, the headquarters with commercial office zoning, three-street frontage, a large boardroom with tele-conferencing facility, and double garage for storage,
In 2019, Downs Rugby again successfully hosted the QRU Teenage Boys State Championships at Downlands College with 850 participants.
Friday 24th January 2020, Downs Rugby welcomed a Pre-Season Trial match with the Queensland Reds taking on the NSW Waratahs at Dalby, to assist with the drought and up-lift the rural community in front of 4,000 specators.
25th July 2021 Downs Rugby House official opening, the opening plaque unveiled by Hon. Federal Member for Groom Mr Garth Hamilton with former Chairman Mr Mike Horan AM and Chairman Mr Rob Johnston.
21-23 September 2021, after two (2) Covid-19-related cancellations, Downs Rugby sucessfully hosted the QRU Teenage Boys State Championships at Downlands College with 713 participants from Queensland sub unions and Northern Terriory Rugby Union. 13 Downs Rugby players from Under 13,14,16s earned merit selection for Queensland Country. Downs Rugby had a successful year with all competitions proceeding with the exception of Men’s C Grade, after an imposed 127-day ban on comminuty sport due to Pandemic.
11-12 February 2022 Roma hosted the Santos Festival of Rugby with the Queensland Reds taking on the NSW Waratahs in addition to the iconic Roma 7s tournment.