Senior Competition Update - July

Rugby Victoria remains committed to delivering strong, balanced, and sustainable senior competitions that support long‑term growth across the state. The 2026 Dewar & Ward Shield Structure Review Meeting brought together club representatives to evaluate the current competition model, identify refinements, and ensure alignment with the Rugby Victoria Strategic Plan 2025–2029.

This document outlines the key outcomes of the review and the strategic direction for 2027 and beyond.

• The current Dewar & Ward Shield structure continues to deliver improved competitive balance and significantly fewer one‑sided matches.
• Thepreferred long‑term model remains 12 clubs (6 Dewar / 6 Ward), with 11 clubs considered the minimum viable size.
• Shepparton will join the Dewar & Ward Shield competitions in 2027, increasing the confirmed number of clubs to 11.
• The 12th club for 2027 will be selected through a formal application process, assessed against Rugby Victoria’s sustainability criteria.
• Clubs emphasised the importance of allowing the structure time to mature, with only minor refinements recommended.
• Earlier confirmation of competition structure, promotion/relegation processes, and entry requirements is essential for club planning.
• Entry into premier competitions should be based on published sustainability criteria, including governance, player numbers, multiple senior teams, and club accreditation.
• Clubs supported obtaining direct player feedback through a Rugby Victoria survey.

• Attract, Develop & Retain Participants – Optimising competition structures for fairness and balance.
• Engage & Build Community Capabilities – Strengthening governance and club capability through clear entry criteria.

• Retain the existing competition structure for 2027, with minor refinements.
• Develop and publish formal Premier Competition Entry Criteria.
• Review safeguard options for a 6 (or 7) / 4 split where a significant performance gap exists between 1st and 2nd in Ward Shield.
• Finalise the 2027 club lineup:
  • Shepparton confirmed
  • 12th club selected via application

• Earlier season planning—including timelines, entry dates, and draft fixtures—was consistently identified as a priority.
• Clubs support maintaining the current structure to allow it to become fully established before major changes are considered.
• Ward Shield clubs value meaningful matches and finals opportunities throughout the season.
• World Cup scheduling and venue availability may require adjustments to future competition calendars.

• Deliver Brilliant Experiences – Ensuring predictable, well‑planned competition calendars.
• Attract, Develop & Retain Participants – Providing meaningful competition experiences across all divisions.

• Publish key competition dates and draft draws earlier in the planning cycle.
• Continue with the current structure through 2027, monitoring outcomes.
• Review season timing ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

• Continued focus is required to develop strong, sustainable whole‑of‑club programs.
• Women’s program development remains a strategic priority, with emphasis on expanding participation, coaching depth, and pathway alignment.
• Colts remains a critical pathway, with acknowledgement that the current U18 model requires further review.
• Future Colts eligibility requires deeper consultation, including consideration of:
  • Under 18–20 model,
  • Under 19–21 model,
  • Review of U21 dispensation rules to ensure fairness and pathway integrity.
• Clubs should continue strengthening governance, junior pathways, women’s rugby, and player depth.

• Attract, Develop & Retain Participants – Establishing clear player pathways from juniors to seniors and expanding women’s rugby.
• Engage & Build Community Capabilities – Strengthening governance and club sustainability.

• Undertake a broader review of the Colts competition structure, including age‑bracket options and U21 dispensation.
• Continue developing minimum club sustainability standards.
• Promote junior, women’s, and Colts pathways as core requirements for premier clubs.

• Media coverage has improved across the board.
• Furtherimprovement remains a priority, including decisions around Veo vs PTZ cameras and enhancing Rugby IP.
• Internet connectivity continues to impact livestream quality.
• Camera positioning should become a minimum standard for host clubs.
• Grand Finals remain the priority for enhanced livestream production and commentary.

• Elevate Marketing & Communications – Strengthening digital presence and visibility.
• Deliver Brilliant Experiences – Enhancing match‑day and broadcast quality.

• Develop minimum media requirements for host clubs.
• Continue investing in livestream capability where financially viable.
• Prioritise Grand Final coverage across all grades.
• Implement an analytics system that supports club development.

• Clubs expressed strong support for returning to a Top 4 finals system in both Dewar and Ward Shields.
• A Top 4 model aligns with competitive balance, season length, and player welfare considerations.
• The structure provides meaningful finals pathways while maintaining high standards of competition integrity.

• Deliver Brilliant Experiences – Optimising competition structures and finals formats.
• Attract, Develop & Retain Participants – Ensuring competitive, rewarding end‑of‑season experiences.

• Return to a Top 4 Finals System for both Dewar Shield and Ward Shield beginning in 2027.
• Maintain three‑week finals series with neutral venues where possible.
• Continue prioritising high‑quality production for all major finals Grand Finals.

• Vision for a stable 6 Dewar / 6 Ward premier competition supported by strong, sustainable clubs.
• Every premier club to provide a Colts program or recognised development pathway.
• Continued prioritisation of women’s rugby development, ensuring growth in participation, coaching, and competitive opportunities.
• Greater consistency in governance, club standards, competition delivery, and communication.
• Continued focus on sustainable growth and expanding rugby into appropriate regions.

• Deliver Financial Sustainability – Ensuring long‑term viability through strong clubs and clear pathways.
• Attract, Develop & Retain Participants – Building robust pathways and competitive environments for men and women.
• Engage & Build Community Capabilities – Establishing consistent standards across all premier clubs.

• Build stronger clubs before expanding competitions.
• Establish transparent entry pathways and minimum participation standards.
• Continue aligning future decisions with competitive integrity, sustainability, and long‑term growth.
• Maintain women’s rugby as a core strategic growth pillar.

The 2026 Dewar & Ward Shield Structure Review confirmed a clear consensus position amongst Dewar and Ward clubs: the current competition model is delivering improved balance, more meaningful matches, and a stronger platform for sustainable growth. Clubs supported retaining the existing structure for 2027 with targeted refinements, including confirmation of Shepparton’s entry, selection of the 12th club through a formal application process (with clear premier competition entry criteria and a return to a Top 4 finals system across both competitions.

The shared view of clubs is that Rugby Victoria should prioritise stability, transparency, and whole‑of‑club sustainability before pursuing further expansion. This includes continued investment in women’s rugby, Colt’s pathway reform, minimum club standards, improved planning timelines, and stronger media and broadcast expectations.

Consensus Position: Stronger Clubs → Stronger Competitions → A Stronger Rugby Victoria