A new era of rugby has begun in Victoria with the launch of the Rugby Victoria U85kg Competition, a weight-restricted XV-a-side pilot league aimed at providing more opportunities for school leavers and tertiary students to enjoy the game.
The competition, which runs from March to May 2025, saw an exhilarating opening round at La Trobe Sports Park, featuring teams from Power House, Melbourne University, Melbourne Unicorns, and Monash University.
Rugby Victoria, in collaboration with Rugby Australia, has introduced this limited-weight competition to eliminate weight-based barriers to participation. Inspired by the success of similar competitions overseas, this initiative seeks to encourage a broader demographic to engage in rugby, particularly among younger players who might not typically compete in traditional club formats.
“The U85kg competition is a fantastic opportunity for players to showcase their skills in a fast-paced and highly competitive environment,” said a Rugby Victoria spokesperson. “We’re thrilled to see such a strong start to the pilot season.”
Round 1 Results
The first round delivered thrilling action, setting the tone for the competition:
- Power House 34 - Monash 0 Power House dominated in their opening fixture, displaying a well-structured attack and disciplined defence to keep Monash scoreless.
- Melbourne University 15 - Melbourne Unicorns 10 In a closely contested match, Melbourne University edged out the Unicorns, with both teams exhibiting impressive tactical play and determination.
Match official Matthew Parker praised the level of competition, stating, “It was a good, fast, and respectful game of rugby.”
Key Statistics from the Opening Round
- Weight Spread: Players ranged from 66kg to 84.9kg, emphasising the inclusivity of the format.
- Average Age: The competition features a youthful line-up, with an average player age of 23.4 years.
- Player Backgrounds: Registration data revealed that 55% of participants were either new to rugby or returning after a hiatus before 2023.
Round 2 Fixtures
The action continues in Round 2 with the following matchups:
- Melbourne University vs Monash University
- Melbourne Unicorns vs Power House
A Promising Future for U85kg Rugby
With matches scheduled on Wednesday evenings to accommodate club rugby commitments, the pilot season is structured to seamlessly integrate into Victoria’s rugby ecosystem. The initiative aims not only to foster competition but also to encourage continued participation in club rugby beyond the pilot season.
As the Rugby Victoria U85kg Competition continues, fans can expect more high-intensity matchups and fresh talent emerging on the field. The next round promises even more excitement as teams battle for early supremacy in this groundbreaking competition.
Photo Credit: Alistair Coutts // @coutts.media
