Wagga Wagga has retained the New South Wales Touch Junior State Cup Southern Conference carnival for another year, after today being named the host city for the prestigious titles in 2027.
NSW Touch Football made the announcement regarding the hosting rights this morning, Monday 2 March, following an extensive tender process.
Council's Recreation Coordinator Josh Walsh welcomed the announcement, which comes just over a fortnight after the city hosted its eighth Junior State Cup Southern Conference carnival at the Jubilee Park precinct.
"Council's Recreation Team worked closely with NSW Touch and Wagga Touch to deliver another great event over the 13 to 15 February weekend," Mr Walsh said.
"The 2026 event was a big success; the weather was favourable and having hosted the tournament for so many years, it now runs seamlessly.
"We had more than 9000 people across three days and the facilities held up well.
"Our Parks Team put in a huge amount of work to keep all 22 playing fields green and of high quality over a dry summer, providing the perfect conditions for three days of top-level competition."
Council's original submission to retain the carnival was for three years - 2027 to 2029. However, NSW Touch has only awarded the tender for one year while it undertakes a calendar review at the international, national and state levels.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said Council is looking forward to the NSW Touch Junior State Cup carnival's return to the city in February 2027.
"The opportunity to host the carnival again allows Council to further strengthen the partnership with NSW Touch and brings the best junior touch footballers in southern NSW to the region," Cr Tout said.
"You don't just tender and expect to get it because you've had it for a number of years. You have to continue to make sure that the facilities and the offerings you have are current.
"All the feedback we get each year is that the grounds are fantastic. The players, supporters and officials love the facilities, so we're continually working on making sure we maintain those high standards and that we're ready for when the tournament comes back to Wagga Wagga."
The event attracts thousands of people to the city, delivering major financial benefits for accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and retailers.
Council estimates the direct economic impact of hosting the carnival in Wagga Wagga is approximately $3.8 million, with an overall total economic injection of $5.7 million, including spill over and indirect effects.
View the announcement from Touch NSW
