Anna 
The Australian Rugby Shield (ARS), the premier XV-a-side community rugby tournament in the country, is set to return to Newcastle in 2025 with an expanded lineup of 14 teams.
Following the success of the 2024 tournament, which featured 12 teams, Rugby Australia has partnered with the City of Newcastle to bring the event back to one of its most successful regions. The competition will feature regional and state sides battling through pool play and placement rounds to determine national men’s and women’s champions.
Newcastle Welcomes 14 Teams
The 2025 ARS, scheduled to take place from October 1 to October 5, will see a strong field of teams, including host side NSW Country, alongside NSW Suburban, QLD Country, QLD Suburban, ACT & Southern NSW (women), Tasmania (men), South Australia, and the Defence Forces.
Historically, NSW Country has dominated the ARS, with the Cockatoos men’s team winning four titles and the Corellas women’s team securing one. However, recent years have seen a shift in power, with ACT & Southern NSW winning the women’s championship and QLD Country taking the men’s title in 2024.
Excitement Builds for 2025 Tournament
Newcastle officials and rugby leaders have expressed enthusiasm for the event’s return, highlighting its sporting significance and economic benefits.
City of Newcastle’s Cr Peta Winney-Baartz:
“Newcastle has a strong rugby union history, and we are excited to welcome the 2025 Australian Rugby Shield. This tournament will bring some of the best amateur rugby players to our city, along with their coaches, supporters, and officials. It will not only enhance Newcastle’s reputation as a top events city but also provide an economic boost to local businesses.”
Rugby Australia Community Rugby Director Michael Procajlo:
“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union to deliver the ARS in 2025. It will be part of a huge year for rugby in the region, with both the Wallaroos and Wallabies also set to play test matches in Newcastle.”
Hunter Rugby Union President James Slattery:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Newcastle and the Hunter region as a premier rugby and tourist destination. We look forward to hosting an expanded Australian Rugby Shield and bringing more community rugby events to the area.”
With the return of the ARS and international rugby matches scheduled in Newcastle, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the sport in the region.
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