The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) have announced the formation of the 'Queensland Rugby Challenger series' in October.
This will see contracted Reds players take on the best of the Hospital Cup in a two-match series held on October 8 and 15.
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The series culminates in a tour of Japan, with the standout players from the side to play sister club and Japanese powerhouse Panasonic Wild Knights on November 4.
It will be used to provide fringe Super Rugby players to stake their claims ahead of 2023 along with trial various law variations designed to help increase ball in play time.
“As a club, we are excited to travel to Japan and play our Japanese partner the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights as part of our 2023 preparations," Reds GM of Rugby Sam Cordingley said in a statement.
“It was unfortunate we had to postpone last year’s match due to COVID-19, but we thank the Wild Knights for their continued support to ensure this historic fixture could still take place.
“Just like Queensland teams did in the 70’s and 80’s – the Reds will tour once again in the off-season, with our time in Japan set to provide a valuable development opportunity for our squad and Queensland’s best developing players ahead of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.
“Given the significance and history surrounding the event, this will be a capped fixture which will afford a number of Queensland’s best amateur players the opportunity to receive a Queensland Reds Cap and number.”
The President’s XV will be chosen purely from the Hospital Cup talent pool on and off the field, with Easts and Reds Super W Head Coach Simon Craig set to lead the coaching team.
It will be selected following the QPR finals series, with the Hospital Cup Grand Final taking place at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday 18 September.
“The Queensland Rugby Challenger series will further increase our connection between the amateur and professional games in Queensland," Cordingley added.
“We’ve had a development gap for too long compared with Rugby nations. These matches will afford the Reds squad more playing time together while at the same time providing opportunities for our best amateur Queensland players and coaches to be involved in representative Rugby.
“This series will provide a platform for innovation, which is difficult to trial during Super Rugby, as well as bringing back some of points of difference our great game has had.
"The Challenger Series and Japan Tour is a starting point which we will aim to grow in future years.”
Queensland Rugby Challenger Series
Queensland Reds Development XV v President’s XV
- Saturday 8 October, Location TBC
- Saturday 15 October, Location TBC
Queensland Reds Japan Tour
- Queensland v Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights – Friday November 4th, Kumagaya Rugby Stadium
