The Dewar Shield is the premier Rugby competition in Victoria.
The Dewar Shield has a rich history spanning over 100 years.
As a part of the Senior Competition Restructure, the 10 clubs with 2 teams will come together to form one competition. After Round 9, the Competition will split into two with the Top 5 competing for the Dewar Shield, and the bottom 5 competing for the Ward Shield (Previously know as the Championship)
The Top 5 and Bottom 5 will be determined by the newly created Rugby Victoria Championship, taking into account results from both First Grade and Second Grade matches.
The Ten clubs participating in the Dewar Shield + Ward Shield competitions in 2026 are Box Hill, Brimbank, Endeavour Hills, Footscray, Harlequin, Melbourne, Melbourne University, Moorabbin, Power House and Kiwi Hawthorn.
Each club has two senior grades that participate in the following divisions:
- Dewar Shield Premiership
- Dewar Shield Premiership Reserves (Penwill Cup)
The Dewar Shield Premiership title for 2025 was won by Power House Rugby Club.
The Penwill Cup for the Dewar Shield Reserves Premiership title for 2025 was won by Footscray Rugby Club.
