Junior Oztag players set to represent their regions on the national stage are now bound for Sydney’s west, after a month of relentless rain swamped Coffs Harbour’s playing fields.
The 2026 Junior Australian Championships were set for Coffs Harbour from Friday, 30 October to Sunday, 1 November. They will now be played at The Kingsway in Werrington from Friday, 27 November to Sunday, 29 November.
The city has copped about 200mm of rain in the past two weeks alone, capping off a month of heavy and persistent falls.
“The condition of the playing fields has been adversely impacted,” Australian Oztag said.
“Heavy rainfall is expected to continue throughout this week.”
After talks with the City of Coffs Harbour, C.ex Coffs International Stadium management, ground staff, and Australian Oztag management, the verdict was clear. There are simply not enough suitable fields to run the championships in their intended format.
Not even the synthetic fields could save the event.
“This decision has not been made lightly,” Australian Oztag said.
Australian Oztag looked at Sydney, the Central Coast, and Wollongong as possible new homes for the event, along with alternative dates, before landing on Werrington.
The washout is still a blow for the players, families, coaches, and regional associations who have poured time and money into getting ready.
“We recognise the significant time, effort and financial commitment made by players, families, coaches and regional associations in preparing for these championships,” Australian Oztag said.
“We also understand the disappointment and uncertainty this announcement will bring, particularly for those who have been looking forward to representing their region at the National Championship level.”
The early call is designed to give travelling teams and families the best chance to review their accommodation and travel plans, including any cancellation, credit, or refund options with their providers.
Families who booked for Coffs Harbour will now need to rethink their plans for the trip to Werrington.
Back in Coffs Harbour, the washout has sparked fresh debate about the state of the city’s sporting fields, with locals taking to social media to have their say.
“Time for Coffs Harbour Council to do something to rectify the fields & fix their drainage, hard lesson learnt,” wrote Yvonne Vickers.
Graeme Wallace agreed the work should come first.
“With the money they make it should be a priority,” wrote Graeme Wallace.
Shanaine Louise New wants the grounds covered and the roads around them fixed.
“If the powers that be were serious, about the Sports Venue, that turns into a duck pond in our spring weather,” wrote Shanaine Louise New.
“Maybe they build a cover for the grounds, like in the city.”
“Please seal the terrible access roads as they are so unsafe.”
But not everyone is pointing the finger.
“To be fair, drainage is pretty amazing,” wrote John Leard. “No grounds can handle that much rain + studded foot traffic they have had.”
“One of the highest quality grounds complex in the country. Well done to CEX stadium grounds team.”
There is better news for Coffs Harbour on the senior front. The 2026 Australian Championships – Seniors, a three-day senior, masters, and mixed team tournament, are still scheduled for C.ex Coffs International Stadium from Friday, 13 November to Sunday, 15 November.
Australian Oztag thanked the City of Coffs Harbour, C.ex Coffs International Stadium management, ground staff, and state and regional association representatives for their cooperation.
“Most importantly we thank our players, families, coaches, officials and the wider Oztag community for their patience and understanding during these challenging circumstances,” Australian Oztag said.
Event details are on the Australian Oztag events calendar.
“Our priority remains providing safe, high-quality National Championships for all participants,” Australian Oztag said.
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