In their words

Which schools suit what your child loves?

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16 schools where people talk about “rugby”.

Also counting related words: rugby union, rugby league, first xv. Schools where “rugby” itself comes up are listed first.

Order:Best matchMost talked aboutLowest feesA to Z

How we work these numbers out
  • Order. “Best match” puts schools where your exact word comes up first. “Most talked about” uses the share of reviews that mention it. Neither is a ranking of how good a school is.
  • Comes up in X% of reviews is the share of the school's reviews that mention your search. The Brisbane average is the same share across all Brisbane schools.
  • Speak well, mixed or raise concerns is worked out by software, using only the sentences about your search. It's right most of the time but not always, so read what people said.
  • What students did comes from the sports and activities former students ticked in their review. We show it when at least 3 answered.
  • Evidence is strong when 5 or more of at least 10 reviews mention it, some when 2 or more people do, and thin when only one person does.
  • Facts such as fees, ATAR and enrolments come from each school's own documents. Fees cover different year levels at different schools, so compare carefully.
  • Open Day Reflections come from our visits to 2026 open days. They're useful, but they reflect the school's own voice.
  1. St Joseph’s College (Gregory Terrace)

    Boys · Catholic · Spring Hill

    • Fees $26,439 a year (2026, Years 7-12)
    • Sport GPS
    • Median ATAR 93.35 (2024)source
    • Students 1,959

    Strong evidence5 separate reviews mention it, out of 18.

    Comes up in 28% of 18 reviews · 6.5× the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 28% Brisbane 4%

    Of 5 comments: 3 speak well of it

    9 of 13 former students who listed their sports played Rugby

    • Review Former student: “passion and intensity around Nudgee rugby round. It’s something all students live for, as it has been the most famous…”
    • Review Former student: “rugby and rowing program had the biggest impact on my schooling journey. It positively impacted me through making life…”

    5 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  2. Anglican Church Grammar School

    Boys · Independent · East Brisbane

    • Fees $36,232 a year (2026, Years 11-12)
    • Sport GPS
    • Median ATAR 90.85 (2025)source
    • Students 1,895
    • Boarding (boys only)

    Some evidence4 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 27% of 11 reviews · 6.3× the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 27% Brisbane 4%

    Of 4 comments: 2 speak well of it

    4 of 10 former students who listed their sports played Rugby

    • Review Former student: “…big sporting events that are occurring that weekend and rugby was a big part of those assemblies as it is a highly…”
    • Review Former student: “programs like basketball and rugby the whole school would get around the events and it was…”

    3 more review mentions and 1 more Open Day Reflection. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  3. Brisbane Grammar School

    Boys · Independent · Spring Hill

    • Fees $37,960 a year (2026, Years 7-12)
    • Sport GPS
    • Median ATAR 95 (2025)source
    • Students 2,021
    • Boarding (boys only)

    Some evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 17% of 12 reviews · 3.9× the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 17% Brisbane 4%

    2 of 6 former students who listed their sports played Rugby

    • Review Parent: “child participated in the Rugby sports program in his younger years, with regular matches against all other GPS schools…”
    • Open Day Reflection Younger student: “…wait process […] and then […] [I] had meetings with rugby coaches here and some of the academic [staff] and head of…”

    2 more review mentions and 1 more Open Day Reflection. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  4. St Joseph's Nudgee College

    Boys · Catholic · Boondall

    • Fees $25,035 a year (2026, Year 12)
    • Sport GPS
    • Median ATAR 88.6 (2025)source
    • Students 1,720
    • Boarding (boys only)

    Some evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 0% of 4 reviews · Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 0% Brisbane 4%

    • Open Day Reflection Year 11 student: “…is not [the] main thing that I'm here for […] I don't like rugby at all, if I'm being honest. Like, there's just a group of…”
    • Open Day Reflection Visual arts teacher: “…diminishing and we have a really nice balance now. I have rugby players who do art. I've got lots of tennis players who do…”

    3 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  5. Wavell State High School

    Co-ed · State · Wavell Heights

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 1,527

    Some evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 40% of 5 reviews · 9.3× the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 40% Brisbane 4%

    Of 3 comments: 3 speak well of it

    0 of 5 former students who listed their sports played Rugby

    Review Would you recommend it?

    …is bad, it could be better. The school is known for its excellence programs in sports like rugby and netball and in the arts like dance and drama, so go to wavell if that seems more your speed. The overall experience wasn't bad, but myself and my peers did experience bullying, racism, saw violence occur… Read all

    I would recommend this school to students more interested in sports and arts rather than academics. There is a lack of attention towards the academic side of teaching, with some teachers teaching in more than one subject, sometimes with the subjects having no correlation to each other (e.g. drama & science). Not saying that the teachers or teaching faculty is bad, it could be better. The school is known for its excellence programs in sports like rugby and netball and in the arts like dance and drama, so go to wavell if that seems more your speed. The overall experience wasn't bad, but myself and my peers did experience bullying, racism, saw violence occur on campus and there was minimal help from administration to resolve these issues, therefore these things remained an issues for years.

    • Review Former student: “are a great rugby school with lots of students getting contracted after graduating which gave lots of opportunities for…”
    • Review Former student: “were many programs especially in rugby that helped”

    2 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.

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  6. Brisbane State High School

    Co-ed · State, competitive entry · South Brisbane

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Sport GPS (boys), QGSSSA (girls)
    • Median ATAR 94.4 (2025)source
    • Students 3,569

    Some evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 6% of 36 reviews · about the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 6% Brisbane 4%

    Of 2 comments: 1 speaks well of it

    0 of 17 former students who listed their sports played Rugby

    • Review Former student: “was a big focus on sport especially boys rugby, so at times the girls sports (especially rowing) would be…”
    • Review Former student: “student Spectating at GPS swimming and Rugby is a great experience the spirit is truly unmatched and creates an amazing…”

    2 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  7. St Augustine's College

    Co-ed · Catholic · Augustine Heights

    • Fees $6,558 a year (2026, Years 10-12, eldest child)
    • Sport SECA
    • Students 1,587

    Some evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 50% of 4 reviews · 12× the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 50% Brisbane 4%

    0 of 3 former students who listed their sports played Rugby

    • Review Former student: “…include sports where the school is involved in the rugby league confraternity competition and QISSN netball…”
    • Review Parent: “…sports programs was average and mostly based around soccer rugby netball and men’s”

    2 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  8. Centenary State High School

    Co-ed · State · Jindalee

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 1,676

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 20% of 5 reviews · 4.7× the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 20% Brisbane 4%

    Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it

    Review Would you recommend it?

    …programs. I was part of the basketball team, and have seen students excel in athletics, swimming, rugby, touch football and many more. The school has also welcomed a serious chess program, with mentors, a FIDE master, and chess teachers paving the way for students to get better at the game. Students… Read all

    I would definitely recommend the school. I was the kind of student to do all kinds of extra curricular activities and the school had provided plenty of opportunities for all kinds of students. Their performance plus program and participation into CGEN competitions is a great creative outlet for arts students to develop their talents and gain exposure to industry and community. The school is also a regular sporting competitor at the state level, and has a competitive spirit that cannot be ignored across all sports programs. I was part of the basketball team, and have seen students excel in athletics, swimming, rugby, touch football and many more. The school has also welcomed a serious chess program, with mentors, a FIDE master, and chess teachers paving the way for students to get better at the game. Students have also regularly placed in district competitions and are fighting their way through higher level comps. The school has an outstanding debating and public speaking endeavour. I have adjudicated and competed at the national level, and have placed in competitions by the english speaking union and U.N youth.

  9. Forest Lake State High School

    Co-ed · State · Forest Lake

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 1,685

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 25% of 4 reviews · 5.8× the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 25% Brisbane 4%

    • Review Parent: “participate but high support for the rugby league programs for the students and alot of success in that…”

    1 more review mention. A free account opens it, and you don't need a card.

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  10. Indooroopilly State High School

    Co-ed · State · Indooroopilly

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 2,910

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 4% of 23 reviews · about the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 4% Brisbane 4%

    0 of 5 former students who listed their sports played Rugby

    Review Experience of the sports program

    Indooroopilly State High School offers a diverse range of sports programs, including rugby, netball, and swimming, with both recreational and competitive pathways—general teams like inter-house competitions are open to all, while elite teams (e.g., GPS sports) require trials, which some students find… Read all

    Indooroopilly State High School offers a diverse range of sports programs, including rugby, netball, and swimming, with both recreational and competitive pathways—general teams like inter-house competitions are open to all, while elite teams (e.g., GPS sports) require trials, which some students find exclusionary. Parents praise the coaching quality but note a lack of options for non-competitive students, suggesting more "social sport" opportunities and clearer communication about trial criteria. The school emphasizes skill development and competitive performance (especially in GPS sports), though inclusivity and team spirit could improve, as some students feel marginalized in competitive environments. Facility investment rates 4/5, with well-maintained ovals, a gym, and a pool, though older equipment needs upgrading and shaded areas for summer sports would help.

  11. Moreton Bay Boys' College

    Boys · Independent · Manly West

    • Fees $18,792 a year (2026, Years 11-12)
    • Sport ISC
    • Median ATAR 80.8 (2025)source
    • Students 496

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 13% of 8 reviews · 2.9× the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 13% Brisbane 4%

    0 of 6 former students who listed their sports played Rugby

    • Review Former student: “…items in hidden spots around campus—our year hid a rugby ball behind a ceiling tile in the”

    1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  12. Ormiston College

    Co-ed · Independent · Ormiston

    • Fees $19,412 a year (2026, Years 7-12)
    • Sport TAS
    • Median ATAR 90.55 (2025)source
    • Students 1,560

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 13% of 8 reviews · 2.9× the Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 13% Brisbane 4%

    3 of 4 former students who listed their sports played Rugby

    • Review Former student: “level - rugby Blah blah blah blah blah Blah blah blah blah blah Blah blah blah blah…”

    1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  13. St James College

    Co-ed · Catholic · Spring Hill

    • Fees $10,500 a year (2026, Years 7-12, first student)
    • Students 914

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    0 of 1 review so far mention it

    Too few reviews to compare with other schools.

    Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it

    • Open Day Reflection Principal: “…We are doing incredibly well in basketball, football, rugby league, netball […] We are fortunate to have amazing…”

    1 more Open Day Reflection. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  14. Villanova College

    Boys · Catholic · Coorparoo

    • Fees $17,607 a year (2026, Year 12)
    • Sport AIC
    • Students 1,555

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    • Open Day Reflection Student leader: “…go to St Augustine's […] in Sydney […] we do a bit of a rugby, football, chess, basketball, debating series, but it's…”

    1 more Open Day Reflection. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  15. Yeronga State High School

    Co-ed · State · Yeronga

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 1,043

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    1 of 1 review so far mentions it

    Too few reviews to compare with other schools.

    Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it

    Review Coaching and chances to compete

    …the teachers would almost chase you down if they knew it was right for you. I got into the rugby team this was, and i had an absolute blast! When i was in grade ten i didnt care for any of these things and when i got to grade 11 and 12, i ran in both cross countries coming second and third. All thanks… Read all

    Heaps of opportunities, any that would come up the teachers would almost chase you down if they knew it was right for you. I got into the rugby team this was, and i had an absolute blast! When i was in grade ten i didnt care for any of these things and when i got to grade 11 and 12, i ran in both cross countries coming second and third. All thanks to teachers encouragement.

    JORDAN M. · Former student, finished Year 12 in 2022–24 · written 2025Sport
  16. Brisbane Boys' College

    Boys · Independent · Toowong

    • Fees $36,492 a year (2026, Years 7-12)
    • Sport GPS
    • Median ATAR 90.05 (2025)source
    • Students 1,314
    • Boarding (boys only)

    Thin evidenceNobody here says “rugby” itself; 1 person mentions related words.

    Comes up in 0% of 12 reviews · Brisbane average (4%)

    This school 0% Brisbane 4%

    6 of 7 former students who listed their sports played Rugby

    1 more Open Day Reflection. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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Reviews come from parents and former students whose link to the school we've checked. Open Day Reflections come from our recordings at 2026 open days. Words in [brackets] were unclear, and […] marks a skipped part. They reflect the school's own voice, so read them alongside the reviews. How reviews work