COFFS Harbour is set to host a huge weekend of rugby in April as part of the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby.

The four-day festival will run from 3-6 April, headlined by the international clash between the Japan Development XV, coached by Eddie Jones, and the Australian Barbarians.

The top flight rugby match will be played on Saturday, 5 April, at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Before the international game on Saturday evening, the Coffs Harbour Snappers will play against cross town rivals SCU Marlins in a match that promises to be an intense curtain-raiser to the main event.

The festival will also include the Coffs Coast Rugby Challenge, which is a long-standing junior, non-competitive 10s tournament featuring young players from across Australia.

The Mid North Coast Competition Super Round will also be part of the festival.

The opening round of this fiercely contested regional competition will see Northern and Southern teams converge on Coffs Harbour for a day of electrifying rugby.

This year, the event expands with the addition of a “Golden Oldies” tournament, ensuring rugby enthusiasts of all ages can hit the field.

Together, the Coffs Coast Rugby Challenge and the Mid North Coast Competition are expected to draw over 2000 players.

The festivities kick off with a Corporate Golf Day on Thursday, 3 April, at Bonville Golf Resort, where celebrity guest golfers will join supporters for a day of long drives.

On Friday, 4 April, the focus shifts to the Charity Fundraising Luncheon to be held at the Coffs Ex-Services Club.

The luncheon will be hosted by rugby royalty featuring a range of guest speakers.

This will be a traditional rugby luncheon with laughs-a-plenty and will also include a raffle and auction items.

Managed by the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation, the festival will serve as a fundraiser to support the foundation’s Rugby For Good programs, which deliver powerful community initiatives across NSW, such as youth engagement activities, mental health workshops and inclusion programs for marginalised communities.

NSW Rugby Union CEO Peter Murphy, emphasises the importance of the event.

“The Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby is a celebration of the sport at every level, from grassroots to international competition.

“We’re thrilled to showcase the power of rugby to unite communities while raising vital funds for our Rugby For Good programs, which continue to make a real difference across NSW.”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Cr Nikki Williams, said the festival will have a significant impact on the region.

“Hosting the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby reinforces our city’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events,” she said.

“It will deliver a significant boost to our local economy while providing incredible opportunities for our community to engage with an international level of competition.

“The social impact that Rugby For Good programs are having in our communities is immense and we look forward to seeing their footprint continue to grow.”

By Aiden BURGESS