Strong clubs, strong communities:[br] BOQ backs regional Queensland junior rugby {yellow-border}

13 July 2026

Bank of Queensland (BOQ) is calling on regional Queensland junior rugby clubs to apply for a share of $15,000 in community funding, through the new BOQ Boost program delivered in partnership with Queensland Rugby Union (QRU).

Five clubs will each receive a $3,000 BOQ Boost: practical support that can go towards new equipment, improved facilities or player development at the grassroots level.

The program forms part of BOQ's partnership with QRU and builds on last year's community activations, including the donation of 7,000 rugby balls to Queensland junior rugby clubs.

BOQ Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Rod Finch said the program reflects the bank's long-standing connection to regional Queensland.

"Strong clubs build strong communities. For more than 150 years, BOQ has been part of communities right across Queensland, and this is about backing the local clubs that keep kids playing and bring people together," he said.

Queensland Rugby Union Chief Executive David Hanham said the initiative with BOQ can only be a winner.

“Connecting to communities across Queensland is an important value we share with BOQ and this program emphasises that,” he said.

“The Queensland Reds and our pathway teams have long been nourished by talent who get their starts at small clubs in regional areas, which the BOQ Boost program aims to support.

“Players like Matt Faessler (Toowoomba), Tate McDermott (Sunshine Coast), Zane Nonggorr (Gold Coast) and Trevor King (Gladstone) took their first steps in rugby with regional junior clubs.

“This is a wonderful, practical way to make a difference at the grassroots.”

Clubs can apply here by completing a short form before 14 August, with winning clubs announced at the end of August.

Beyond the Boost program, BOQ has also been giving back through its "Every Try for Orange Sky" initiative. Every home try scored by the Queensland Reds this season (across both the men's and women's teams) raised over $15,000 for Orange Sky, funding more than 53 laundry and shower shifts for Australians doing it tough.