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International rugby teams, stronger airline connections, and major stadium investments could make Tropical North Queensland the Pacific’s next sporting powerhouse.

Cairns has long known how to put on a show for visitors. Now the tropical Queensland city is preparing to swap the snorkels for rugby boots, with an international sevens tournament strengthening its pitch as a sporting gateway to the Pacific.

The Fiji Airways Rugby 7s tournament returns to Stan Williams Park on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2026. Organisers report growing interest from men’s and women’s teams across Australia and neighbouring Pacific nations.

For Cairns, the contest is about more than what happens between the try lines. Visiting players, coaches, families and supporters also mean potential business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and attractions. The bigger prize is a reputation that brings teams back to train and compete year-round.

Pacific connections give Cairns an edge

Fiji Community Association FNQ president Ili Cava says the event is drawing interest from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands, as well as Australian cities and regional Queensland.

“Cairns is an ideal location, because of direct services with Fiji Airways and Air Niugini, and it gives visiting teams the opportunity to extend their stay and experience Tropical North Queensland.”

The air links are not just promotional talk. Cairns Airport lists Fiji Airways services to Nadi and Air Niugini services to Port Moresby, giving sports groups direct routes into Far North Queensland. Other teams can connect through domestic and international networks.

That gives travel advisers something to work with: a tournament weekend that can become a longer holiday. A few hard tackles on the field, perhaps, followed by gentler encounters with rainforest, reef and tropical hospitality.

Stadium investment changes the game

The event will be played at Stan Williams Park in Manunda, where a $12 million first-stage redevelopment was completed in 2025. It delivered a modern grandstand and improved sporting and spectator facilities. A second stage is planned.

Elsewhere, work has begun on the major Barlow Park redevelopment. The project will increase grandstand seating from around 1,700 to 5,000 while improving accessibility, player amenities and the spectator experience.

Together, the projects show how Cairns hopes to compete for more than holidaymakers. Well-equipped grounds can attract visiting clubs, training camps and events, but sustained demand will determine how far that ambition goes.

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker sees international sport as part of the region’s broader appeal.

“Major sporting competitions like Fiji Airways Rugby 7’s help to showcase our region as a world-class events and business hub, as well as an idyllic holiday destination,” he said.

A family weekend with a wider ambition

Alongside two days of rugby, organisers promise family-friendly activities and DJ entertainment. The atmosphere should be as much about community connections as the final score.

“There will be something for everyone, whether you are a rugby supporter, a family looking for a great day out or a visitor wanting to experience Cairns’ multicultural community,” Mr Cava said.

Ticketing details have yet to be announced. Supporters can follow Cairns 7s Rugby Tournament on Facebook at @Cairns7sOfficial or email [email protected] for event information.

Cairns already has the scenery. With stronger sporting facilities and Pacific air links, it now has another reason to invite the world north, and this time, visitors are encouraged to bring their boots.