The ACT & SNSW region has a brand-new rugby battleground, and the quest for grassroots supremacy begins TODAY, Saturday 14 March, with the launch of the inaugural Brumbies Shield.
Delivering an exciting, first-of-its-kind tournament format to our local game, the Brumbies Shield is here to shake things up.
Operating on a sudden-death structure similar to soccer's FFA Cup, 16 men’s clubs from right across the territory and southern state will clash in a pure, do-or-die battle.
ACT & SNSW Rugby Union’s Head of Competitions and Rugby Services, Mathew Vowles, is absolutely pumped to see the historic contest get underway.
"We have been talking internally for a number of years around this concept and how it would look," Vowles said. "So to finally get it under way is a massive milestone for rugby within our region."
With 16 clubs officially stepping up to the plate, the appetite for sudden-death footy is undeniable.
"The participating clubs have been very supportive of the concept, and it's great that they have embraced it and want to be part of this exciting new competition," Vowles added.
"We are giving teams from within our region, whether they are from the country or the capital, a chance to test themselves against opposition they may not ordinarily play against."
Looking ahead, Vowles noted the long-term vision for the newly minted tournament.
"We can't wait to see who lifts the shield come September. We see this competition growing to be a vital cog in the offerings we can provide players within our region."
The Union is also thrilled to welcome the backing of Powerade as an official partner of the Brumbies Shield.
“We are deeply grateful for their commitment to growing grassroots rugby in our region,” Vowles continued.
Generously, Powerade is outfitting every participating squad with an exclusive Powerade pack to keep the boys fuelled, firing, and hydrated through the grueling knockout stages.
The competition will unfold over four action-packed rounds interspersed throughout the regular season.
The pressure builds from the initial eight blockbuster matches in Round 1, to four in Round 2, and two in Round 3. It all culminates in the ultimate regional showdown at the Grand Final on Saturday, 5 September.
To accommodate the massive geographic spread of the tournament, the eight Round 1 fixtures will be played across the next three weekends.
There’s local pride on the line and a piece of history up for grabs. Get down to your closest ground, grab a pie, and support your team in the ultimate test!
- Jindabyne Bushpigs v Albury Steamers at Jindabyne
- Bungendore Mudchooks v Queanbeyan Whites in Bungendore
- Goulburn Dirty Reds v Crookwell Dogs in Goulburn
- Wagga Wagga City v Canberra Royals in Wagga Wagga
- Reddies Rugby Union Football Club v Gungahlin Eagles in Wagga Wagga
- University-Norths Owls v Griffith Blacks in Canberra
- Tuggeranong Vikings v Wagga Wagga Waratahs in Canberra
- Western District Lions v Wagga Wagga Agricultural College in Canberra.
Catch the Action Live: Specific kick-off times and field locations can change, so make sure you have the Rugby Xplorer app downloaded to your device!
Search for your club, check the latest match day details, and don't miss a single minute of this tournament.
