The 2025 AIC Rugby League season marked another milestone in the growth of the competition, with significant changes introduced to enhance both participation and performance. This year, the competition adopted a full home-and-away model, bringing Rugby League in line with other AIC sports, while also expanding to include a greater number of divisions than ever before.

Since its inception in 2019, AIC Rugby League has grown from 48 teams to 107 in 2025 — a testament to the sport’s increasing popularity and the commitment of schools, staff, and players across the Association.

Iona College Leads the Way

After narrowly finishing second in the 2024 aggregate standings, Iona College entered 2025 determined to reclaim their place at the top. Their effort and commitment paid off, with outstanding results across the board to claim the 2025 Aggregate Shield.

Iona Rugby League Coordinator Andrew Fildes praised the collective effort behind the success.

“What a season! A huge thank you goes out to the 27 staff members and 281 students who poured their energy into our 15 teams this year. To walk away with these results is an incredible achievement. None of it happens without the countless late afternoons, early mornings, and weekend battles that went into preparing our sides to perform.” Mr Fildes proudly explained.

First XIII Champions- Again! 

The jewel in Iona’s crown was their First XIII team, who secured back-to-back premierships with an undefeated season — their third AIC First XIII Premiership overall. Built on the foundation of a powerful forward pack, the side’s halves and lightning-fast backs thrived, producing a dominant season.

“I’m really proud of the team for going through undefeated. The most pleasing aspect was conceding only 40 points all season — a credit to the boys’ buy-in to our defensive principles. Huge thanks to the players, our school community, parents, and the staff who worked so hard to make this possible.” Mat Cameron Iona First XIII coach proudly said.

Iona First XIII- 2025 AIC Premiers

The battle for the First XIII premiership showcased just how far AIC Rugby League has come. Villanova College finished runners-up, with their only defeat coming against Iona, while Marist College Ashgrove claimed third. Remarkably, nearly 75% of matches were decided by six points or less, highlighting the closeness and competitiveness of the competition.

In total, five schools claimed Rugby League premierships across the age groups in 2025:

• Iona College

• Marist College Ashgrove

• Padua College

• St Laurence’s College

• St Patrick’s College

Expansion and Participation

This year also saw the introduction of the 9B, 10B, and Thirds competitions, further broadening opportunities for students to take the field. The continued expansion is a clear reflection of the Association’s commitment to growing the game and providing pathways for more students to participate.

The success and growth of AIC Rugby League would not be possible without the invaluable partnership with the National Rugby League (NRL). The NRL provides venue managers for every fixture, referee support, and coaching development opportunities, ensuring the competition is delivered at the highest standard.

In 2025, the partnership expanded to include the development of student referees. More than 20 AIC students completed a refereeing course before the season, going on to officiate Year 5 and 6 fixtures. Supported by mentors from the NRL and the Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association (BRLRA), these young referees gained invaluable experience and contributed to the competition’s ongoing success.

The AIC extends its gratitude to both the NRL and the BRLRA for their commitment and support in helping AIC Rugby League flourish.

AIC Rugby League Division Premierships 2025

AIC Rugby League Aggregate Championship 2025

Photos supplied by member Colleges