Canberra Winter Sport 2026: Raiders, Brumbies and the Capital's Sporting Season

Canberra's winter sporting calendar is anchored by two major professional clubs — the Canberra Raiders in the NRL and the Brumbies in Super Rugby Pacific — plus the significant community sport ecosystem that serves the ACT's active population.

Canberra Raiders

The Canberra Raiders are the NRL team that most naturally belongs to its city. Founded in 1981 and playing at GIO Stadium (now CommBank Stadium), the Raiders have generated one of the NRL's most genuine community connections. The Raiders' 1989, 1991 and 1994 premierships are part of the ACT's sporting heritage. More recent success in reaching finals has maintained community engagement.

Brumbies

The Brumbies are the ACT's Super Rugby franchise and one of the most successful clubs in the competition's history. Multiple Super Rugby titles and an extraordinary roll of Wallabies players who came through the Brumbies' system have made the club central to Australian rugby. Home games at GIO Stadium draw passionate crowds.

GIO Stadium and major events

GIO Stadium at Bruce is the ACT's primary sporting venue. Its capacity and facilities support NRL, Super Rugby and international events including Socceroos and Wallabies matches. The stadium's location in the northern suburbs is accessible to most of the ACT's population.

Community sport

Canberra's community sport culture is exceptionally strong for a city of its size. The AIS and the ACT Academy of Sport provide elite development pathways. Community leagues in AFL (Canberra is part of the NEAFL), soccer, netball, swimming and many other sports are active year-round. Winter brings the peak of the football codes season.

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