Speculation about when and where the Shute Shield grand final has been put to bed with the premiership decider locked in for Saturday September 3 at Leichhardt Oval.

Sydney Rugby Union competitions manager Kerry Brady confirmed the date with ground officials on Friday and now the Shute Shield, Colin Caird Shield (reserve grade) and W. McMahon Shield (first grade colts) will be played as originally scheduled earlier in the year.

There was speculation that the club footy showpiece may have to be moved with Rugby Australia keen to play the Wallabies game against South Africa at the new Sydney Football Stadium in the afternoon on that date.

But it appears they are now pursuing a night time slot.

“We think it’s great – the last grand final at Leichhardt was a great success and we can now push ahead with plans to make it a great family day out,” a SRU spokesperson told Rugby News.

“The Waratahs games at Leichhardt have gained momentum and a lot of our people have enjoyed the experience of the boutique ground.”