Redfern Oval, one of the suburb’s most recognisable sporting landmarks, is temporarily closed for a major playing-field upgrade involving new turf, drainage improvements and irrigation works.
The City of Sydney expects the sportsfield to reopen in February 2027, weather permitting, after construction and a period allowing the new grass to establish. The closure affects a ground used for rugby league, touch football and community sporting activities.
New turf and drainage improvements
The upgrade includes installing a new irrigation system, repairing existing drainage and rebuilding the playing surface before laying fresh turf. The ground will remain unavailable while the replacement grass establishes sufficiently for sporting use.
Council records from August 2025 identified Redfern Oval for renewal in late 2026, with different turf varieties under consideration. The ground already had a slit drainage system, making the current work an improvement to existing infrastructure. A construction tender for the project subsequently closed on 9 July 2026.
A gathering place for Redfern’s sporting community
Beyond its association with professional rugby league, Redfern Oval has long served local sporting families and community clubs, including the Redfern All Blacks Rugby League Football Club.
The ground was the advertised venue for the Redfern All Blacks’ NAIDOC Round in July 2025, with junior football, Aboriginal cultural activities and a gathering honouring Elders and Life Members included in the programme. The oval has also accommodated junior rugby league clinics, providing opportunities for young players to develop their skills.
From Rabbitohs home ground to training centre
Redfern Oval served as the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ home ground from 1948 to 1987. The club returned for several premiership matches in 1996, including its final appearance against the South Queensland Crushers, which South Sydney won 48–16.
The oval’s sporting role expanded in August 2025 with the opening of the Reg Richardson AO Training & Learning Centre, developed through a partnership involving TAFE NSW and the Rabbitohs Institute. The facility provides education and practical training opportunities for students pursuing careers in sport. The Rabbitohs’ principal NRL training base is now at the Heffron Centre in Maroubra.
Residents and sporting groups can check the Redfern Oval facility page for updates or contact City of Sydney open space bookings on 02 9265 9333 for enquiries about the ground.
Published 20-Oct-2022
