The 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield is fast approaching with three new teams set to light up Newcastle in their tournament debuts.<\/p>\n
A Wildfires Development Team will contest the men\u2019s draw with a side comprised of local
\ntalent from Newcastle and the NSW Hunter region.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ll face off against state rivals NSW Country in Pool A alongside Queensland Suburban and Tasmania.<\/p>\n
New South Wales Suburban are the other men\u2019s newcomer and headline a Pool B including reigning Shield holders Queensland Country, South Australia and the Australian Defence Force XV.<\/p>\n
The women\u2019s Shield also has a new team in Sydney, who will field a strong development side primarily drawn from the Chikarovski Cup.<\/p>\n
Sydney will face off against the likes of NSW Country and Queensland Country Orchids with South Australia, Queensland Suburban, and reigning women\u2019s Shield holders ACT &
\nSNSW Kestrels also taking part.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe addition of a Wildfires Development Team, NSW Suburban and Sydney is a massive boost for what we hope to be the most competitive Australian Rugby Shield to date,\u201d tournament director Pete Garden said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year\u2019s ARS was an enormous success – both on and off the field \u2013 and we\u2019re excited to deliver an even better tournament in 2025 with our new naming rights partner, Buildcorp.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019re excited to bring the Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield to New South Wales for 2025, and thank the City of Newcastle for their support in delivering this event.<\/p>\n
“We trust teams and supporters will also enjoy experiencing everything Newcastle has to offer while in the region.”<\/p>\n
The 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield will be held at Number 2 and Number 5 Sports Grounds in Newcastle.<\/p>\n
Round robin fixtures will be played on October 1, 2 and 4, with finals to be contested on
\nOctober 5.<\/p>\n