Brisbane Irish Rugby Football Club - Home of The "MCBRATS"

Home of The "MCBRATS"

The Brisbane Irish Rugby Football Club shot to national and international prominence when multi national company McDonalds filed a Trademark dispute in March 2005 with the Australian Trademarks office over the club’s use of “McBrat” on their playing shorts.

“McBrat” the sponsorship logo of former player and club sponsor Malcom McBratney became the centre of a well publicised dispute as McDonald’s claimed the prefix “Mc” as a trademark of the burger giant.

The story resonated throughout the world as the Brisbane Irish gained national & international coverage in their David v Goliath battle. Media agencies in Australia, New Zealand, England, Canada, France, Belgium & South Africa all reported in both television and print media the plight of the Brisbane Irish.

In August 2006 the Australia Trademarks Office delivered its decision in favour of the Brisbane Irish and sponsor Malcom McBratney enabling the continued use of “McBrat” on the club’s playing shorts.

The Brisbane Irish has since become one of Brisbane’s leading Irish ex-pat organisations whose presence at “Irish” events and comment on Irish related news is often sought after.

The “McBrats” have become one of the prominent Irish identities in Brisbane with national and international appeal and is one of the most recognisable clubs in Queensland Rugby.