One of the closest seasons in the short history of AIC Rugby League came to a nail-biting conclusion last Saturday. Going into the final round, both Marist College Ashgrove and Iona were ‘neck and neck’ in the battle for the Rugby League Champion School Aggregate competition. Elsewhere on the final day of the season, a number of premierships would be decided by games that were effectively ‘grand finals’ as undefeated teams opposed each other.

After over 280 fixtures during the season across the Association, it is incredible that Marist College Ashgrove claimed their first ever AIC Rugby League Aggregate Shield by the smallest of margins – a half a point over Iona College. Iona fell agonisingly short of retaining the shield that they had won each year since the launch of AIC Rugby League in 2019. Padua finished third in the Aggregate competition.

“Marist are very proud to win the Aggregate Rugby League shield for 2024. It has been a continued, steady improvement across a number of years in our program culminating in this success.” Mr. Derek Lennon, Marist College Ashgrove Director of Sport said.

“This is recognition for the hard work a number of staff have put in to establishing rugby league at Marist and we look forward to watching the AIC Rugby League competition continue to grow into the future.”  

Iona College claimed a very well deserved First XIII premiership after completing an ‘Undefeated Season’. The Iona team was able to build on an impressive third place finish at the Confraternity Shield Carnival in Townsville in June, overcome some very challenging opposition in the AIC competition and handle the pressure of remaining undefeated to claim the premiership. The team’s success was built on a hardworking forward pack that were able to put the team on the front foot, which allowed their creative halves and speed laden outside backs to flourish. An outstanding overall team performance secured Iona’s second AIC First XIII Premiership.

“We are immensely proud of the 23 young men who dedicated their efforts to the 1st XIII throughout the AIC and Confraternity seasons.” Iona’s Rugby League Coordinator Mr. Andrew Fildes said with great pride.

Iona College – First XIII Premiers 2024

Mr. Fildes also acknowledged the staff who assisted the team’s journey. “A special thanks to the coaching staff, whose tireless commitment played a crucial role in the team’s success”. 

Marist College Ashgrove First XIII were runners up in the premier division of AIC Rugby League, only suffering defeat to Iona in a very close Round 3 encounter. Padua and Villanova tied for third place in the First XIII premiership.

Marist College Ashgrove claimed a treble of premierships with first place finishes in the 2nd XIII, Year 10 and Year 9 Premierships. On the strength of these three results alone, the boys from Ashgrove will continue to be a force in the First XIII Premiership in years to come.

What could be argued as the most exciting and thrilling competition was the 8A premiership. St Patrick’s secured the silverware with what was literally the last kick of the season. An after the siren goal from the sideline secured a 2-point win and the premiership for the boys from Shorncliffe in the final game of the season against Iona. St Laurence’s claimed the Year 7A ‘Rugby Codes’ double by claiming the Year 7A premiership. The 7A Rugby League premiership trophy joining the 7A Rugby Union trophy St Laurence’s won in Term 2. Padua College secured the inaugural 7B premiership.

In 2024, the AIC Rugby League competition continued to grow in participation. This growth was highlighted by the inclusion of an entirely new division (7B) and for the first time in AIC history, St Peters entered two teams into the season. AIC Guest College, Ambrose Treacy also fielded 7 teams and hosted fixtures every week at their Indooroopilly Campus. With this expansion, the AIC Rugby League competition has grown from 48 teams in the inaugural season of 2019 to 84 teams in 2024. The promise of future expansion in 2025 lay on the horizon for AIC Rugby League.

This expansion and commitment to increasing participation would not be possible without the wonderful support of the National Rugby League (NRL) who supply match managers for every match and competition support including coaching development and supplying of referees for all fixtures. The AIC is incredibly grateful for this support from the NRL. Thank you also to the Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association for their commitment to the AIC Rugby League.

AIC Rugby League Division Premierships 2024 

AIC Rugby League Aggregate Championship