Although the Intrust Shute Shield doesn't have a salary cap, it does have a ‘points cap’ which limits the number of representative players each team can field in a particular match. With the finals around the corner, here’s a quick summary. All players points ratings are determined at the start of the year. A first grade team may not exceed 100 points in a particular match and a second grade side cannot exceed 60 points. 1st grade colts teams are limited to 40 points while 2nd grade colts sides must be below 35 points. A number of discounts are available for players, which are explained below. Category A - 20 points - A player who has played a 15-a-side Test match for a tier one nation Category B - 16 points - A player who has at least five Super Rugby or Heineken Cup caps - A player for has played a 15-a-side Test match for a tier two nation Category C - 10 points - A player who holds a current Super Rugby contract - A player who has at least 50 Shute Shield 1st grad