By MARK CASHMAN

The Sydney Rugby Union have confirmed that the 2022 Shute Shield competition will be contested by 12 clubs with Penrith not invited to participate in next year’s competition.

Penrith’s exclusion is one of a number of sweeping changes that SRU officials hope will set the competition up for another surge in growth over coming seasons.

The main points from the Participation Agreement process have been:

1  The 12 clubs invited to complete in 2022 are: Sydney Uni, Northern Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs, Eastwood, Warringah, Gordon, Randwick, Southern Districts, Hunter Wildfires, West Harbour, Manly and the Western Sydney Two Blues.

 2  Fielding a women’s XV will be mandatory from the 2023 season.

 3  The Two Blues will be given dispensation to field four teams (firsts, reserves, firsts colts, second colts) in the 2022 season.

4  The Hunter Wildfires will be allowed to field three teams (firsts, reserves and firsts colts) next season but Rugby News understands they will more than likely be able to field seconds colts

 5  The SRU in conjunction with NSW Rugby and Rugby Australia to work to grow the game in Sydney’s west.

“This has been quite a complex and emotional process and the decisions that we have made have not pleased everyone,” SRU president Phil Parsons told Rugby News.

“But the decisions have been made to ensure that rugby in Sydney not only remains strong but grows and provides great experiences for all involved with the game, whether that be as a volunteer, coach, administrator, social or aspirational player.

“Recent seasons have not been easy for all clubs involved and these have been difficult times, not just from a Rugby perspective, but more generally.

“But the provision of dispensation for the Wildfires and Two Blues does not detract from the hard work put in by administrators, coaches, volunteers and players across the competition.

“This is a pragmatic decision to strengthen the Sydney Premier Rugby for the long haul.”

Not inviting Penrith back next year was a tough, tough decision to make – and there will be push back – but the reality is that the structures just aren’t in place at the foot of the mountains.

Their participation in Sydney Premier Rugby since their first involvement in 1995 has by anyone’s assessment been fraught.

“We appreciate the strength of the local Penrith junior program in the region, and will work with NSWRU and RA to find ways to provide pathways for local juniors to stay engaged within the wider GWS district and the Western Sydney Two Blues,” Parson added.

Major resources from NSW Rugby and Rugby Australia will be tipped into the Two Blues in an effort to keep this founding member of the Shute Shield not only alive but able to prosper.

Support and oversight for the rebuilding program will be provided and the plan is for the club to anchor the game’s presence in Sydney’s west.

“In regards to the Two Blues we felt that we just couldn’t throw away 140 years of history,” Parsons said.

The continued involvement of the Wildfires was a no-brainer.

The wider Hunter region has been identified as an area of major growth with more than 2300 junior registrations in the most recent numbers published.

They are capable of being very competitive at Shute Shield level and team numbers will grow as their development programs kick in.

“The Wildfires enjoy incredible community support and are a well-resourced club with a depth of board capability that would be the envy of most sports clubs and associations,” Parsons added.

The requirement to field a women’s XV in 2023 will bring the Shute Shield into line with the other codes competing on the sporting landscapes.

“Women’s rugby is a growing part of our game and we will play our part to ensure women are provided every opportunity to play, as well as to enjoy positive experiences doing so,” Parsions said.

“The community expects our game to provide full inclusivity regardless of gender or race.

“Women’s rugby is part of our social license to play sport and we fully support its inclusion into our competition and look forward to working with Sydney Women’s Rugby in continuing to grow the game.”

A decision on the 2021 season will be made early next week when the SRU board meets.

IMAGE: AJF PHOTOGRAPHY