New York Benefit Dinner
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By UQ Rugby
18 Sept 2026
The New York Benefit Dinner is a premier international event bringing together UQ Rugby alumni, supporters, and partners in the heart of New York to celebrate the club’s legacy, strengthen global connections, and raise vital funds for its future.
Join three Rugby World Cup winners, former All Blacks captain Kieran Read, Colin Slade and Ryan Crotty, plus England star Danny Cipriani and former Wallabies Dr Mark Loane and James Hanson at the UQ Rugby New York Benefit Dinner.
We are excited to Welcome Josh Pugh as our MC for the evening. Josh is an Adelaide-born digital strategist and entrepreneur who runs America Josh, a popular online guide and community network for Australian expats living in the United States. We can't wait to have him MC the night!
Danny Cipriani
Cipriani has 16 caps for England, over 300 English Premiership appearances and 19 appearances with the Melbourne Rebels.
James Hanson
Hanson has 12 caps for the Wallabies (2015 Rugby World Cup runner-up) and is a Super Rugby centurion with 135 appearances for the Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels. He was the UQ Rugby premiership-winning captain in 2011, 2013 and 2021.
Dr Mark Loane AM
Doctor of Medicine '17, Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery '77
Dr Loane is a distinguished ophthalmologist and Australian rugby legend. He earned 28 caps for the Wallabies, including six as captain, and made 89 appearances for the Queensland Reds. A former UQ Red Heavy, he will present the 2026 Mark Loane Medal to a promising American rugby player.
We're thrilled to announce that former All Blacks stars Kieran Read, Colin Slade and Ryan Crotty will join this year's panel at the UQ Rugby Benefit Dinner.
With an incredible 196 All Blacks caps, 4 Rugby World Cup-winning campaigns and 390 Super Rugby appearances between them, these New Zealand rugby legends will offer unique insights into the moments and matches that shaped their careers.
