UniSQ and Ipswich Jets kick on with partnership commitment through 2027

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is helping the Ipswich Jets women soar into the rugby league finals, with the University committing to continue its naming rights partnership with the team into 2027.

As the Jets kick off their finals campaign on Sunday (13 September), the team will continue to take the field as the UniSQ Ipswich Jets BMD Premiership team, with the partnership bringing together women’s sport, education, community engagement and research.

The commitment builds on the strong relationship between UniSQ and the Jets, supporting the growth of women’s rugby league in the region and creating new opportunities for players, students and the wider community.

At the heart of the partnership is the Education Aspiration program, which will see UniSQ and the Jets collaborate on school and community outreach initiatives that use sport as a vehicle to promote education, aspiration and future opportunity.

Through engagement with schools, youth and female athletes and the wider Ipswich community, the program aims to demonstrate the opportunities and pathways that sport can create while encouraging people to consider higher education and their own future potential.

The partnership will also continue collaborative research, drawing on the expertise of UniSQ academics and the Jets’ high-performance sporting environment. These opportunities support UniSQ’s focus on women’s sport and the legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

UniSQ Director of Sport Professor Stephen Bird said UniSQ was proud to have supported the team from the outset and to play a role in shaping its future.

“Having partnered with the Jets BMD Premiership team in their inaugural season, we are proud to continue our naming rights partnership and build on our support for women in sport,” Professor Bird said.

“It also provides an opportunity to make a positive impact in the community by inspiring and empowering young people and female athletes across the region.

“The partnership plays a pivotal role in connecting elite and community sport with education, research and meaningful pathways for young female athletes.”

Through the Education Aspiration program, UniSQ and the Jets will connect with schools and community groups across the region, using the reach and influence of sport to highlight the value of education and inspire people to consider their future pathways.

“The collaboration also provides a strong platform for applied research in sport and performance, while contributing to UniSQ’s broader ambition to build sporting expertise and help deliver a legacy from Brisbane 2032,” Professor Bird said.

Jets CEO Richard Hughes said the commitment to continuing the partnership was a significant endorsement of the club’s women’s program.

"UniSQ’s ongoing commitment reflects a genuine investment in the women’s game and in our players across so many levels,” Mr Hughes said.

“From performance and education to research, collaboration and opportunity, UniSQ’s support helps strengthen the program and create an environment where our players can continue to grow.

"Having UniSQ continue its partnership with us as our BMD Premiership women head into finals is a wonderful boost for the program, and we are excited about what we can continue to build together.”