A passion for supporting the state’s rugby pathways has ignited a three-year partnership between Morgans and the Queensland Rugby Union.
The support was there for all to see recently when Queensland’s best rising talents, aged 18 to 21, made an undefeated run through Super Rugby Next Gen.
"Morgans" was proudly emblazoned on the back of the jersey for the four-game winning run. That placement will be repeated for the Reds Under-16s plus the Queensland Country representative teams for men’s, women’s and pathways.
Morgans is Australia's largest wealth management firm with more than 500 advisers and 56 offices around the country.
For Morgans Chief Executive James Macaulay, the three-year partnership through 2028 is an exciting elevation of the backing that the company has put behind rugby for years.
“Morgans does a lot at grassroots level with clubs. We’ve taken this opportunity to support emerging Reds and regional rugby,” Macaulay said.
“It’s exciting when you see the talent coming through in Queensland and results like the Next Gen series.”
Morgans’ support for Wests, GPS, Easts, University of Queensland, Norths, Gold Coast rugby, Bond University and Brisbane Fiji Rugby is a taste of the involvement with leading clubs and regions. It reflects the breadth of the Morgans branch network across the state.
The company has always had a strong rugby profile, starting with founder Paul Morgan, who played club rugby before his mark on rugby league. Former Wallabies captain David Codey has worked for Morgans across three decades. He is a Consulting Adviser with Morgans Aged Care Advice Team.
“We know the importance of rugby in country communities and putting our backing behind Queensland Country teams is another dimension to help create opportunities in the game,” Macaulay said.
The buzz around Next Gen talent is something Macaulay knows well as a fan and rugby dad who spends seasons on the sidelines at school games.
“I have three sons of my own playing rugby so I spend Easter to September on the sidelines. It is a big part of family life for us,” Macaulay added.
“When you do see players come through the schools system and take their first steps at the higher level it is a moment to reflect because you’ve seen them at the start of their journey.
“That’s definitely part of our thinking at Morgans...helping the emerging generation.
“(Winger-fullback) Nicholas Conway is in the Reds squad this year. His father Bob works for Morgans in our Redcliffe office. (Hooker) Charlie Hollyman had an excellent Next Gen series. It happens that his dad is in our Milton office.
“We love our rugby and the excitement is rising with how Queensland rugby is going and what is coming with the Rugby World Cup next year.”
Morgans staff enjoy the fun of the game personally as well with a 15-year commitment to playing in the Corporate Rugby 10s.
QRU Chief Executive David Hanham said the partnership was an exciting and natural fit.
“Passion for Queensland is at the heart of Morgans and at the heart of the QRU and Queensland Country Rugby Union,” Hanham said. “There is no truer symbol of commitment to rugby in Queensland than a legacy of support at a grassroots level for many, many years.
“The investment by Morgans into our pathways plays a crucial role in developing future Reds and Test players and they share our commitment to supporting rugby throughout the entire state with their investment into Queensland Country. We’re looking forward to working closely with the entire Morgans team.”
