OVER the years, rugby union in Stanthorpe has fallen away to sports such as football and rugby league, but Stanthorpe State High School student Adam Bonner is holding strong to family traditions.

The Year 12 student has been selected to compete with the Darling Downs rugby union team at the state titles in Sunnybank.

Bonner said his passion for union stemmed from his father.

"I've been interested in union my whole life," he said.

"It's a family sport.

"My dad played for the Stanthorpe Kookaburras club, which closed in 1999."

The school captain played for the Stanthorpe State High School union team in Year 10, but does not have many opportunities to play in town.

Bonner said he went to the school trials on a whim, and never thought he would make the team.

"I just tried out to see where I was at... I didn't expect to get selected," he said.

Forty hopefuls attended the Darling Downs trials, with only 22 selected.

Bonner was the only Stanthorpe player who tried out.

He will head to a three-day training camp in Toowoomba prior to the Queensland titles on May 29-June 2.

Bonner joins a list of successful Stanthorpe athletes who will progress to state level.

This year saw students trialling for some less-traditional high school sports, including golf and orienteering.

High School Darling Downs representatives:

Alison Hernandez (St Joseph's) - football

Dylan Barraclough (State High) - golf

Declan Oag (State High) - orienteering

Tom Landers (State High) - rugby league

Michael Pearson (State High) - rugby league

Emma Beecham (State High) - football

Adam Bonner (State High) - rugby union