Queensland’s Premier Rugby grand final has been shifted to a new date and the preliminary final weekend has been ditched to adapt to COVID-19 disruptions.
The Queensland Rugby Union on Thursday announced a revised finals series for all grades, Colts and women’s competitions so the season can be completed.
Watch every minute of club rugby on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
The preliminary finals of the normal three-week finals series have been scrapped to move to a two-week series after consultation with all nine Premier Rugby clubs and other stakeholders.
Under the revised format, two elimination 1 v 4 and 2 v 3 semi-finals will be played on August 28-29 to settle teams for grand final weekend on September 5-6.
This fits the Queensland Government directive for the resumption of community sport from 4pm on Sunday, August 22 as per the COVID Roadmap.
The semi-finals are now scheduled to be played across two days at Norths and GPS Rugby Clubs.
In Premier Rugby that means a cut-throat top grade semi-final between minor premiers University of Queensland and traditional foes Brothers plus a Wests-GPS shootout.
The Premier Grade, Colts 1 and women’s grand Finals will be played on Sunday, September 5 at Suncorp Stadium with Ballymore under redevelopment.
Sunnybank Rugby Club will host the decider for Colts 3, Colts 2, fifth grade, fourth grade, third grade and second grade on Saturday, September 4.
General Manager of Community Rugby Gaven Head said: “With the latest COVID lockdown and restrictions in South-East Queensland, there are many organisations that are dealing with similar situations to us.
“We’re striving to make decisions that are fair and equitable, while also keeping paramount the health and safety of our participants, members and the wider community. “We’ve worked closely with our nine Premier Rugby clubs to reach this decision, and we must acknowledge the support of Stadiums Queensland, Nine Entertainment and Rugby Australia.
For patrons who had already brought tickets for the grand finals that were due to take place at Suncorp Stadium on August 28, tickets will still be valid for the revised date on September 5. For those unable to attend, a refund is available.
READ MORE:
TEAM: Koroibete, White return for Wallabies
LOCKED IN: Waratahs re-sign Robertson
RULE TRIAL: Red card, 50-22 changes confirmed
Saturday, August 28 at Norths Rugby Club (1 v 4)
Fifth Grade | 8:30am – Field 1 – Wests v Brothers
Colts 3 | 8:30am – Field 2 – Brother v Wests
Fourth Grade | 10:00am – Field 1 – UQ v GPS
Colts 2 | 10:00am – Field 2 – Brothers v Bond
Third Grade | 11:30am – Field 1 – Souths v GPS
Saturday, August 28 at GPS Rugby Club (1 v 4)
Colts 1 | 12:00pm – Field 1 – Easts v Bond
Second Grade | 1:30pm – Field 1 – UQ v Brothers
Premier Grade | 3:00pm – Field 1 – UQ v Brothers
Women’s | 5:00pm – Field 1 – GPS v Bond
Sunday, August 29 at Norths Rugby Club (2 v 3)
Fifth Grade | 8:30am – Field 1 – Souths v Easts
Colts 3 | 8:30am – Field 2 – Easts v UQ
Fourth Grade | 10:00am – Field 1 – Wests v Souths
Colts 2 | 10:00am – Field 2 – UQ v Easts
Third Grade | 11:30am – Field 1 – Brothers v Wests
Sunday, August 29 at GPS Rugby Club (2 v 3)
Colts 1 | 12:00pm – Field 1 – GPS v Brothers
Second Grade | 1:30pm – Field 1 – Bond v Souths
Premier Grade | 3:00pm – Field 1 – GPS v Wests
Women’s | 5:00pm – Field 1 – Sunnybank v Easts
GRAND FINALS
Saturday, September 4 at Sunnybank Rugby Club
Fifth Grade | 10:00am - Field 1
Colts 3 | 10:00am - Field 2
Fourth Grade | 11:40am - Field 1
Colts 2 | 11:40am - Field 2
Third Grade | 1:20pm - Field 1
Second Grade | 3:00pm - Field 1
Sunday, September 5 at Suncorp Stadium
Women’s | 11:30am
Colts 1 | 1:15pm
Premier Grade | 3:00pm
