Tasmanian Rugby Union is excited to announce that Burnie will host the inaugural Women’s Rugby Magic Round at Burnie Rugby Grounds (Upper Burnie) on Saturday 23 May 2026, delivering a full weekend celebration of women’s rugby across the North West Coast.
The event will feature three Women’s Senior Rugby matches alongside school visits, business engagement opportunities, community activations and a Women & Girls Come & Try session on Sunday 24 May.
Special guests for the weekend will include Olympic Gold Medallist and Classic Wallaroo Charlotte Caslick, along with former Wallaby and Classic Wallaby representative Mark Gerrard.
TRU General Manager Jeff Quick said the event had been designed to create far more than just another round of rugby, with a strong focus on community engagement and showcasing the continued growth of women’s sport in Tasmania.
“This is about more than just rugby,” Quick said.
“We want to create a genuine festival atmosphere around women’s sport, bring clubs and communities together and showcase the positive impact rugby can have across Tasmania.”
“Magic Round is designed to celebrate everything that is good about the women’s game, from participation and community connection through to high-quality competition and pathways.”
In the lead up to the weekend, Rugby Australia and TRU coaches and ambassadors will conduct school visits and activations across the North West Coast from Devonport through to Wynyard, engaging with students and introducing more girls to the game.
The weekend will officially commence on Friday evening with a business and community function at Burnie Central Townhouse, bringing together local businesses, Rugby Australia representatives, partners and community stakeholders.
Saturday’s Magic Round will see all Women’s Senior Rugby matches played at the one venue in Burnie, supported by SeaFM activations, giveaways and a family-friendly event atmosphere throughout the day.
Following the matches, The Townhouse will serve as the designated Women’s Rugby Clubhouse venue, with players, officials and supporters encouraged to stay on in Burnie and enjoy the social side of the weekend together.
The weekend will conclude on Sunday with a Women & Girls Come & Try session at Burnie Rugby Grounds, providing a direct participation opportunity for new and aspiring players.
Burnie City Council Mayor Teeny Brumby welcomed the opportunity to host the event in Burnie.
“Council is proud to support an event that celebrates participation, community connection and the continued growth of women’s sport across Tasmania,” Mayor Brumby said.
“We are excited to see Burnie hosting players, families and visitors from across the State and showcasing the North West Coast as a destination for major sporting events.”
TRU thanked Burnie City Council, SeaFM, TasNetworks and Burnie Central Townhouse for their support of the event.
Burnie Central Townhouse will serve as the official accommodation partner and designated Women’s Rugby Clubhouse venue across the weekend.
TRU hopes the Burnie event will become the first of several Women’s Rugby Magic Rounds to be delivered annually across Tasmania, with future events planned for Launceston and Hobart.
