Ballymore to become permanent home of Australia Sevens and Wallaroos ahead of 2032 Olympics

Ballymore will become the permanent home of Australia’s Sevens programs and the Wallaroos high-performance unit under a new three-way partnership between Rugby Australia, the Queensland Rugby Union and the Queensland Government, with the redeveloped Brisbane venue set to be ready well ahead of the city hosting the 2032 Olympic Games.

Both the men’s and women’s Sevens squads will relocate from Moore Park in Sydney, making them the first Olympic programs to move to Brisbane since the city was awarded the Games. The Wallaroos will also base themselves at Ballymore as the women’s national side completes its transition to full professionalism by November 2026, and the precinct will serve as their preparation base for the 2029 Rugby World Cup.

Dubbed the ‘Teams in Gold’ Facility, the upgrade will deliver dedicated training pitches, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and dedicated team rooms — all built on the site of Ballymore’s eastern grandstand. That famous old stand will be replaced by a new 2,400-seat structure which, combined with the recently upgraded 3,010-capacity McLean Stand and the Hill, will bring the 60-year-old venue’s total capacity to 8,000.

The Wallabies will also use the facility when the national side is in Queensland, and the precinct will continue to serve as a training base for the Queensland Reds’ men’s, women’s and academy teams.

“This is an historic moment for Australian Rugby and the benefits from today’s announcement will be felt for generations,” said Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh. “It has been ten years since our Aussie Women inspired the nation with Olympic gold in Rio and, as reigning World Champions, it is fitting they will soon call the Olympic City home alongside our Wallaroos and Australian Men’s Sevens squads.”

Ballymore has been central to Australian rugby since it opened in 1966, hosting five matches at the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup — including a quarterfinal and a semifinal — and 48 Wallabies Test matches across its history. The redevelopment marks the next chapter for a ground that has long been regarded as Queensland Rugby’s spiritual home.