30 September 2026
KDL has continued its support of Queensland’s emerging rugby talent, with the 2026 KDL Property Group Emerging Reds Cup bringing young players from across the state together at Ballymore Stadium.
Now in its sixth year, the Emerging Reds Cup gives some of Queensland’s most promising young players an opportunity to compete in a high-performance environment.
The 2026 tournament marked an expansion of the competition, with Rugby Victoria and Queensland Fiji teams joining the competition for the first time.
More than 125 Under-14 players took part across the four-day tournament, representing Brisbane Junior Rugby Union, South East Queensland, Queensland Country, Rugby Victoria and Queensland Fiji.
For many players, the tournament was their first chance to test themselves against representative-level opposition outside their usual school or club competitions.
The format also let players compete at Ballymore Stadium, providing an experience at the home of Queensland rugby and the Reds’ high-performance programs.
The Emerging Reds Cup is a great way to showcase individual talent while supporting the broader development of young players as they progress through the Queensland rugby pathway.
That pathway is already producing opportunities beyond the tournament, with standout players from the Emerging Reds Cup selected for subsequent Reds Academy Under-14 development opportunities.
The Cup also plays a role in developing the communities around the players, providing valuable experiences for coaches, support staff and match officials working within a high-performance environment.
KDL Managing Director Kent Leicester said supporting the Emerging Reds Cup was an opportunity for KDL to contribute to the development of young Queenslanders both on and off the field.
“KDL is proud to support an initiative that gives young players the opportunity to challenge themselves, represent their region and experience rugby in a high-performance environment,” he said.
“The talent on display throughout the tournament is a reflection of the depth of rugby talent coming through Queensland, and we are pleased to play a role in supporting that pathway.”
With another Emerging Reds Cup now complete, attention turns to the players who will continue developing through the Queensland rugby pathway in the years ahead.
