The Doug Campbell Cup – Friday Night Footy for Our Future Stars

There’s something special about Friday afternoons at Tamworth Rugby Park. The Doug Campbell Cup brings that spark to life a grassroots primary schools rugby competition for boys and girls in Years 5 and 6 who play with heart, pride, and the pure joy that defines our game.

From 4pm to 5:30pm each Friday followed by the Northwest Youth Competition Secondary School Matches, the fields light up with running rugby, cheering parents, and the unmistakable buzz of kids discovering what it means to be part of the rugby family.

A Growing Tradition

In 2023, five local schools — Nemingha Public, Tamworth Public, St Nicks, Calrossy Anglican, and Carinya Christian — took the field with passion and spirit. Nemingha Public School earned the honour of lifting the Doug Campbell Cup that year. In 2024, the competition ran across five weeks in Term 3 (2–30 August). While no Cup was awarded that season, the enthusiasm and participation were as strong as ever. 

2026 Competition Dates

Term 3 — 8 August to 19 September (seven weeks)
The countdown is on. The boots are ready. Friday night rugby returns with even more momentum.

At the end of the competition, one school will be awarded the Doug Campbell Cup — not for winning the most games, but for showing the true spirit of rugby: sportsmanship, teamwork, and participation.

Where It All Began

Tamworth Rugby Union Club launched the Friday Night Primary Schools Rugby competition in 2022 with four local schools. The response was incredible — kids loved it, parents loved it, and our senior Grade players jumped in to help coach, referee, and mentor. Their involvement has become a cornerstone of the competition, giving young players role models to look up to and learn from.

The competition proudly carries the name The Doug Campbell Cup in honour of Doug and Rosemary Campbell, who devoted their lives to the club. Doug revived the club after World War II in 1952, and together they served faithfully until their passing in 2021 and 2022. Their family has generously donated to support junior rugby and continue the legacy of two people who shaped the heart of Tamworth Rugby.

(For more on Doug’s story, visit the club’s History page.)

Our Supporters

LBK Solicitors came on board as the inaugural sponsor in 2022. In 2023, LBK Solicitors and PKF Accountants joined forces as co‑sponsors, bringing enthusiasm, ideas, and genuine community spirit. The club is deeply grateful for their support.

Looking Ahead — NSW Rugby Joins the Journey

In 2026, the competition will take another exciting step forward with NSW Rugby Development Officers joining the program. Their expertise, coaching support, and development pathways will help strengthen skills, confidence, and opportunities for every young player who steps onto the field.

Combined with the ongoing involvement of our Grade players, who volunteer their time to coach, referee, and inspire, the Doug Campbell Cup continues to grow into a powerful grassroots pathway for the next generation.

Building the Pathway

This competition is more than Friday night fun — it’s the first step in a natural rugby journey. From primary school footy to high school competitions and eventually into senior grade rugby, these young players grow together, develop their skills, and form lifelong friendships along the way.

Get Involved

We’re calling on players, parents, teachers, and supporters who want to be part of something special. This is new territory, and we welcome your ideas, your energy, and your passion for junior rugby.

If you’re keen to get involved or want to know more, reach out to:

Cameron Lane
Email: campbeelcup@tamworthrugby.com.au
Mobile: 0476 019 618