The 2025 Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) Rugby season will go down as one of the most memorable in the competition’s proud history. It was the year Marist College Ashgrove secured a remarkable 23rd Champion Rugby School Aggregate Shield and a season in which the First XV Premiership was decided in one of the greatest schoolboy Rugby matches ever witnessed.

First XV Premiership: Padua Go Back-to-Back in a Classic

For the fourth consecutive year, the AIC First XV Premiership came down to a winner-takes-all clash in the final round—this time featuring Padua College and Marist College Ashgrove, two undefeated giants of the season. The stage was set for an epic finale, with Padua chasing back-to-back premierships and Marist looking to add to their record haul of First XV titles.

Throughout the season, both teams were tested—Padua holding off a determined Villanova in Round 3, while Ashgrove launched their campaign in a high-scoring thriller against Iona. The anticipation for Round 7 built steadily, and the game more than delivered.

In front of a passionate home crowd, Padua burst out of the gates to lead 14–0 early, before Marist responded with a try of their own. A late first-half try saw Padua go into the break ahead 21–7. The second half saw a stunning comeback from Marist, who tightened their defence and scored two tries while holding Padua to a single penalty goal. With ten minutes to go, the margin was just five points.

Down to 13 players at stages in the final moments, Padua dug deep to repel relentless Ashgrove attacks. Their composed kicking game and resilient defence held firm until the final whistle, sealing a famous 24–19 victory. It was a match of the highest quality, a showcase of everything that makes schoolboy rugby special.

Padua College Head Coach Andrew Clyne reflected on the achievement. “The boys have worked incredibly hard since Term 4 last year—early mornings in the gym, lunch break video reviews, and long afternoons on the field. For most of them, this season was the culmination of eight years of dedication. To have it all come down to a clash with Ashgrove, and to see them dig deep and produce one of the gutsiest performances in schoolboy rugby, I couldn’t be prouder.” Mr. Clyne said.

Padua College- 2025 AIC First XV Premiers!

Rugby Aggregate Champions: Marist Ashgrove’s 23rd Title

Marist College Ashgrove reaffirmed their status as the most successful rugby school in AIC history, claiming their 23rd Rugby Aggregate Championship in 2025. Outside of the COVID-impacted years, Ashgrove has missed out on the title only twice—an extraordinary record of sustained excellence.

This season, six of the eight AIC Colleges celebrated at least one premiership, highlighting the depth and competitiveness across the competition. Marist contributed five of those premierships, triumphing in the 3rd XV, 4th XV, 10A, 10B and 8B divisions. They also recorded multiple undefeated runs in non-aggregate teams and claimed four runners-up finishes across other divisions, a consistency that ultimately secured them the Aggregate Shield once again.

Marist College Ashgrove Director of Rugby, Mr. Richard Graham was proud of the College’s achievement. “It is a wonderful achievement for our Rugby Union program, and great reward for the time and effort committed by everyone involved. We have 36 teams playing each weekend and I would like to thank the coordinators, coaches and students for their aligned and connected approach across the 2025 season” Mr. Graham said.

2025 Aggregate Table 

Premiership Results 

Primary Rugby: Building the Future

The future of AIC Rugby looks brighter than ever following a fantastic season of Year 5 and 6 rugby. Week after week, the primary divisions showcased outstanding participation and emerging talent across all teams and ability levels. Whether playing in the A team or the C team, every primary school student wore their jersey with the same pride as those representing their school in the First XV.

These young players form the foundation of the future AIC Rugby competition, and their enthusiasm and sportsmanship were a true highlight of the season.

Acknowledgements

The AIC extends sincere thanks to Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) for their ongoing partnership and support of AIC Rugby. The QRU continues to play a critical role through initiatives such as coaching and referee development, match management for First XV games, and administrative support.

Thanks also go to the Queensland Rugby Referees Association (QRRA) for their consistent efforts in appointing referees, and to all school-based referees whose commitment ensures the successful running of hundreds of rugby fixtures across the season.

Photos supplied by member Colleges and ATC