The 2026 AIC Rugby League season delivered one of the most competitive and exciting campaigns in the competition’s history, with premiership honours and aggregate success remaining undecided until the final round. Showcasing the growing strength and depth of Rugby League across the Association, teams battled fiercely throughout the season, with only one win separating the top four schools in the First XIII competition. While Padua College emerged to claim sole possession of the First XIII Premiership after a thrilling race to the finish, Iona College once again demonstrated its program-wide excellence by securing a second consecutive Aggregate Shield. With five schools celebrating premiership success across the age groups, the 2026 season highlighted the continued development, talent and competitiveness that define AIC Rugby League.

Consistent performances across all age groups saw Iona College secure its second consecutive AIC Rugby League Aggregate Shield, reinforcing its position as the competition’s leading Rugby League program in 2026. In an incredibly tight Aggregate competition, Iona claimed the coveted shield by the smallest of margins from Padua (2nd) and Marist College Ashgrove (3rd). The competition was so tight, every result on the final day swung the overall aggregate result and it was not until the final game was played that Iona were able to claim the title.

“This year marks the second consecutive year that Iona has taken out the AIC Rugby League aggregate. Over the relatively short time rugby league has been included into the AIC competition, the standard of play has markedly increased from year to year, which was evident in the closeness of results this year. All of the players and coaching staff at Iona are to be congratulated for another great season of league. Well done!” Craig Stariha – Iona Head of Sport.