Queensland Reds

The first games of rugby took place in Queensland in 1876 and the game quickly took off. In the 1880s, Queensland formed a representative team and played in both inter-colonial and international matches. Before the turn of the century, they’d defeated both New South Wales and a touring British and Irish Lions side.

Following this, the Queensland team remained a representative side for more than 100 years. However, when Super Rugby began in the 1990s, the team turned professional and began to have contracted players. During this period, Queensland experienced a golden era. They won the first Super 6 competition in 1992 and followed this with wins in the 1994 and 1995 season as well.

By the time the professional era began in 1996, the team had officially rebranded and became commonly known as the Queensland Reds. However, the team was unable to recapture the success they’d experienced in previous years. When the tournament was known as the Super 12, the Reds Rugby team reached the semi-final stage of the competition three times, but never progressed to the final.

Then, when the competition was revamped and rebranded to Super Rugby in 2011, the Reds Rugby team were well-positioned for success and they finally capitalised. They finished top of the group stage and went on to beat Crusaders 18-13 in a final watched by more than 52,000 people. Following the win, the victorious Reds Rugby team were greeted with a parade through Brisbane and were handed the keys to the city. To date, it remains the team’s only Super Rugby title.