Southport Rugby Football Club is pleased to confirm that we will be welcoming Padua College back to Waterloo Road as part of their European rugby tour.

Following their visit in April 2024, Padua will return to Southport on Thursday 9 April 2026 for an evening of age-grade fixtures against our Under 16 and Under 18 sides.

Two matches will be played on the same evening:
Southport RFC U16 vs Padua College U16

Kick-off: 17:30
Date: Thursday 9 April 2026

Southport RFC U18 vs Padua College U18

Kick-off: 19:00
Date: Thursday 9 April 2026

Team news for both fixtures will be released on Wednesday 8 April 2026.

Padua College is an independent Roman Catholic boys’ school based in Kedron, Brisbane, with a long-established rugby programme. As a founding member of the AIC competition, the school has consistently competed at a strong level within Queensland school rugby and has a track record of producing players who progress within the game.

The standard of rugby during Padua’s previous visit in 2024 was competitive and well matched. The Under 18 fixture, in particular, featured players operating at a high level, including Will Ross, who has since represented Australia at Under 18 level and gone on to sign a professional contract with the Queensland Reds.

Southport RFC has a long-standing tradition of welcoming touring sides and international visitors to Waterloo Road. This includes hosting touring national and representative teams over the years, most notably the Australia national rugby union team during their preparations in 1983. That visit remains part of the club’s history, remembered as much for the relationships built off the field as the rugby itself, including the well-known story of Wallabies half-back Mark Ella thanking the club’s hosts for their hospitality.

We look forward to welcoming Padua College back to Southport in April 2026 and to another evening of competitive rugby, shared experience, and the continuation of strong links between touring schools and our club. Supporters, members, families, and the wider rugby community are warmly invited to attend.