Club rugby
‘It’s either yes or no’: Shute Shield teams consider awards boycott after club escapes penalty for breach
Just how many Test matches a Tongan prop has played became a central issue in a heated Shute Shield rules controversy.
- by Iain Payten
Latest
Shute Shield racist abuse proven but Easts cleared of code of conduct breach
A Sydney Rugby Union hearing has determined West Harbour players were subject to racial abuse at Woollahra Oval in February.
- by Iain Payten
Prominent Shute Shield club hit with breach notice over alleged racial abuse
Sydney Rugby Union is investigating allegations of a western Sydney club that its players were subject to racial vilification during a day of trials in Sydney’s east.
- by Iain Payten
This is now a high tackle in Shute Shield … and coaches believe it will improve rugby
In its 102nd year, the Shute Shield starts this weekend using a trial law to lower the legal tackling height to the sternum. The eyes of the world will be on the results.
- by Iain Payten
‘In the best interests of the game’: Rugby Australia to lower legal tackle height
The governing body will begin a two-year trial to lower the legal tackle height to below the sternum for competitions below Super Rugby level from February.
- by Jonathan Drennan and Iain Payten
Opinion
Rugby Australia
The great disconnect between grassroots rugby and Wallaby soap opera
While the future appears grim for professional rugby in Australia, the game’s heart will continue to beat strongly.
- by Malcolm Knox
Randwick end two-decade wait with Shute Shield triumph
The Galloping Greens snapped a 20-season drought to win the Shute Shield in a nail-biting 17-15 win over Norths at Leichhardt Oval.
- by Iain Payten
Updated
Australian rugby
Perth rugby player hit with five-year ban for physically abusing referee
A player in Western Australia’s premier rugby competition has been given a 96-game suspension for assaulting a referee in a game.
- by Iain Payten
Shute Shield ready for lift-off as clubs circle for Suaalii’s services
As Sydney club rugby teams tussle for Joseph Suaalii’s future signature, the Herald has spoken to key figures at all 12 clubs about the upcoming Shute Shield season.
- by Tom Decent
‘Sweet spot’: Player in concussion lawsuit welcomes new tackle height limit
A former Rebels player and England international has welcomed Rugby Australia’s decision to trial the ‘tummy tackle’ in parts of community rugby this year.
- by Georgina Robinson
‘It feels unreal’: Sydney University topple Gordon in Shute Shield decider
Sydney University has won the Shute Shield for the 12th time since 2001 after a hard-fought victory over reigning premiers Gordon.
- by Tom Decent