Tooheys New Shute Shield draw released

27.02.2008

The draw for the 2008 Tooheys New Shute Shield has been released today, with the competition set to be played over 22 rounds from March to September.

The Shute Shield will this season feature the strongest pool of talent it has in many years, with HSBC Waratahs squad members not selected on Super 14 match days available for club duty.

“If they’re not playing Super 14 on the weekend, our squad members will be playing Club Rugby every chance they get,” said HSBC Waratahs Head Coach Ewen McKenzie.

“Match fitness and form can only be gained by playing, and the best place to get it is in the Tooheys New Shute Shield.

“The influx of professional players into the Shute Shield not only boosts the quality of the competition, but also provides much-needed match practice for when they’re called upon.”

NSWRU Chief Executive Officer Jim L’Estrange said the 85-year-old competition would continue to be monitored closely as all stakeholders strive to create the best possible model for the Shute Shield.

“2008 remains a season of review as we strive to find the best model for the Shute Shield, and I’m sure this year’s format is a step in the right direction.

“It’s great to be moving to a home-and-away season, it’s great to have a 22-round competition, and it’s great to have a Grand Final in September.

“I know the clubs are taking on the responsibility of producing some fantastic rugby which is the most crucial step to producing a great Shute Shield.”

One of the feature matches for the season will be the Northern Suburbs-Sydney University clash which will be played at the Sydney Football Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the HSBC Waratahs Super 14 match on 19 April against the Lions.

The 11th and 22nd rounds will exclusively feature local derbies with some of the oldest rivalries in Sydney Club Rugby all played out on the same day, while in the lower grades Colts return to Under-20s after a season at Under-21s.

The 135-match competition will be played under all the Experimental Law Variations, while The finals series will be played over three weeks with the top six teams qualifying, allowing both the minor premiers and runners up one week off before a Grand Final qualifier.

The venue for the Tooheys New Shute Shield Grand final on 20/21 September 2008 will be announced at the competition launch on Tuesday, 25 March.

ABC Television will continue to support Club Rugby by broadcasting the match of the day live at 3:00pm each round.

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