University of Queensland’s new head coach Jim McKay is hoping a style of play built around free-flowing rugby and old-school values of hard work and camaraderie can bring success to the club in 2026.

UQ finished sixth in 2025 with six wins from 16 matches and showed glimpses of their potential – scoring heavily in patches – without being able to sustain it across the season.

With a strong focus on internal development and an expansive style of play, McKay is aiming to reconnect the club’s identity with its production line of young talent.

Overview with Jim McKay:

“The club obviously has a famous history,” McKay told Rugby News.

“I spoke to a few people – players and others – but the big thing for me coming in was identifying the strength of UQ, which is the colts and promoting from within.

“It’s a big club with a lot of numbers. I think they’ve got the most registered players of any club in Australia. So, our focus is on promoting and developing from within.

“Preseason has been good. We’ve spent time trying to establish who we are and who we’re playing for.

“There’s a big development focus. I’ve coached at high levels but also at lower levels, and I’m passionate about playing a style that’s enjoyable to play and enjoyable to watch.”

2025: 6th (6 wins, 10 losses)

Ins: Jone Naqiri (Norths), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Norths), Angus Munn (New Zealand), Charlie O’Connell (Canberra Royals), Adam Korczyk (returning from retirement), Callum Hicks (rugby league), Zach Baird (Ireland), Will Hay (Japan), Tom Manca (Italy), Joey Caputo (rugby league), Navi Tiko (Wests), George McLean (New Zealand), Maddox McLean (Souths)

Outs: Matt Brice (Ireland), Brad Kuhn (Western Force), Max Johnson (Western Force), Jack Boal (England), Pama Fou (retired), Tim Nanai-Williams (retired), Dougal Perrens (Canberra), Willy Rua (Bond), Tafito Ah Ki (Moana Pasifika), Ethan McFarland (Australian Sevens)

What sort of rugby will we see from UQ this year?

“A game of movement and positivity,” McKay said.

“Moving to create, with some old-school values around support play and those sorts of principles.

“It will probably be a bit less structured. When I go around to all these schools, everyone’s running 1-3-3 shapes – that’s not really us.

“If you think about Toulouse, Randwick or the Reds at their best, that’s more our style: fluid, in motion and creative.

“We want to develop from within at UQ. We’re not going to buy a premiership through recruitment. It’s about development, working hard and enjoying the game.”

Player(s) to watch:

“There are a heap of young guys coming through,” UQ’s head coach said.

“Tommy Howard at fullback is a good player – he just missed out on the Australian Under-20s.

“Will Robinson is one to watch. He came through the club and is developing well.”

Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final?

“Our club and Bond,” McKay said.