Rugby Incursion Pty Ltd was formed on 1 July 2002 to provide the people of the Gold Coast a specialist rugby retail outlet. Unfortunately, overheads forced the closure of the store, however, the internet side of the business continued for several years. Over this period, Ash Cooper, the Managing Director of Rugby Incursion, in partnership with Barry Symes, provided the QLD Reds with a merchandising arm until 2006, when the Franchise changed from Canterbury to ISC.

An Army Officer for over 30 years, Ash has been involved in Rugby for over 45 years as a player, coach, referee and more recently, as the Gold Coast Referee’s Association representative on the Judiciary. He captained his school’s 1st XV in years 11 and 12 and went on to play for NSW Army. He pursued a coaching position whilst posted to Brisbane and guided the Brothers Under 18 side to a premiership in 1980. He commenced his (official) refereeing career in Townsville in 1990. Ash joined the Brisbane referees on posting to SE QLD in 1993 and the Gold Coast Association in 1997. Whilst conducting military training in Fiji, Ash was appointed to referee the annual Cawi Trophy, a significant match on the Fiji Rugby calendar contested between the leading provincial team (Nadroga) and the Fiji Services Team, from which many of the National Team were selected.

Ash’s son Josh is continuing the rugby tradition. Having played in The Southport School’s 1st XV for two years, he went on to represent GPS, QLD and Australia at Schoolboy level. He is now working for KooGa and is pursuing his love of rugby through the Gold Coast Breakers Premier side and plays for his local club Nerang, where he played much of his junior rugby.

It’s very exciting for Rugby Incursion to team with KooGa, an innovative and well regarded provider of rugby wear and equipment, to once again bring a full line of rugby gear at very competitive prices, to those who expect quality and service at a great price.

It may be the game played in heaven but remember...Heaven can Wait...enjoy life, and your rugby!!