The iconic Ballymore stadium in Queensland is set to undergo a colossal upgrade, transforming it into the permanent home for Australia’s elite rugby programs. This ambitious project, a collaboration between Rugby Australia, the Queensland Rugby Union, and the Queensland Government, aims to create a world-class facility ahead of the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
The upgrade will see the construction of the ‘Teams in Gold’ Facility, a state-of-the-art complex designed to house the Australian Sevens men’s and women’s programs, as well as the Wallaroos high-performance program. This move marks a significant step in the Wallaroos’ transition to full professionalism, set to be completed by November 2026.
The Teams in Gold Facility: A World-Class Rugby Hub
The new facility will feature dedicated training pitches, a cutting-edge gymnasium, and specialized team rooms and spaces. These enhancements will be built on the site of Ballymore’s famous eastern grandstand, which will be replaced with a new 2,400-seat grandstand. Along with the recently upgraded 3,010-capacity McLean Stand and the Hill, the venue’s capacity will be brought up to 8,000.
The Teams in Gold Facility will serve as a year-round base for the Australian Sevens and Wallaroos programs. The Wallabies will also utilize the facility whenever they are in Queensland. Additionally, the precinct will be a training site for the Queensland Reds men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
A Historic Venue with a Bright Future
Ballymore has a rich history in Australian rugby, having hosted five matches at the 1987 Rugby World Cup, including a quarterfinal and semifinal. The Wallabies have played 48 Test matches at the venue, with a memorable victory against South Africa in 1993 drawing over 26,000 fans. The British and Irish Lions also played at the venue against the ANZAC XV in 1989.
The venue has been long overdue for an upgrade since the Reds moved to Lang Park in 2005. The eastern stand has been closed due to safety concerns, setting the stage for the precinct to become a world-class facility. The upgrade will ensure that Ballymore continues to be the heart of rugby in Queensland for generations to come.
Building Towards a Rugby Legacy
The upgrade to Ballymore signals a stars-aligning moment for Australian rugby, bringing the high-performance programs under one roof. The Australian Sevens program will move to the facility well ahead of the 2032 Olympics, while the Wallaroos will use the precinct as their base for the 2029 Rugby World Cup.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh announced, “This is an historic moment for Australian Rugby and the benefits from today’s announcement will be felt for generations.” He emphasized the significance of the facility, stating that it will be the first Olympic programs to relocate to Brisbane since the city was awarded the 2032 Games.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli highlighted the importance of having national teams based in Queensland, stating, “Having national teams based in Queensland at Ballymore only grows the game and encourages more kids to dream of pulling on the green and gold one day.”
Construction on the new facility is set to commence later this year, following the conclusion of the Queensland Reds Super Rugby AUS campaign in September-October. The final of the Hospital Cup 2026 season will be played at the end of August, marking the beginning of a new era for rugby in Queensland.
