The 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield is fast approaching with three new teams set to light up Newcastle in their tournament debuts.
A Wildfires Development Team will contest the men’s draw with a side comprised of local talent from Newcastle and the NSW Hunter region.
They’ll face off against state rivals NSW Country in Pool A alongside Queensland Suburban and Tasmania.
New South Wales Suburban are the other men’s newcomer and headline a Pool B including reigning Shield holders Queensland Country, South Australia and the Australian Defence Force XV.
The women’s Shield also has a new team in Sydney, who will field a strong development side primarily drawn from the Chikarovski Cup.
Sydney will face off against the likes of NSW Country and Queensland Country Orchids with South Australia, Queensland Suburban, and reigning women’s Shield holders ACT & SNSW Kestrels also taking part.
“The 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,” tournament director Pete Garden said.
“Last year’s ARS was an enormous success - both on and off the field – and we’re excited to deliver an even better tournament in 2025 with our new naming rights partner, Buildcorp.
"We’re 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.
"We trust teams and supporters will also enjoy experiencing everything Newcastle has to offer while in the region."
The 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield will be held at Number 2 and Number 5 Sports Grounds in Newcastle.
Round robin fixtures will be played on October 1, 2 and 4, with finals to be contested on October 5.
Click here for the full list of 2025 Australian Rugby Shield fixtures, pools and teams.
