Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.

By Ron Wood

Word has just filtered through to the Rogue that Wollongong University have withdrawn from their First-Grade match with Bowral set down for Saturday at Eridge Park. There will be a Second-Grade match between the clubs, kicking off at 2PM.

The Club has additionally requested to be permanently withdrawn form First Grade and to be allowed to enter just Second Grade for the remainder of 2024. The reason given by the club is that they do not have enough players available in terms of numbers and in terms of capability to meet the First-Grade standard. It is considered for the future health of the club going forward that the best option is to compete in the lower grade similar to the circumstances impacting on Vikings in 2023. 

This development is just another example of the decline of Rugby in our region and comes on the back of all the signs we have seen in recent times. It is becoming all too apparent that the divide between the top Clubs in our Zone and the rest is becoming a gulf and must be of concern to any diehard rugby person. 

The withdrawal of University from First Grade will force a redraw of the IDRU Competition.  Such a redraw needs to take into account the already obvious difference in the capabilities of clubs across the district. 

Consideration must now be given as to the grading of our competition and the length of the season. Consideration must also be given to the future prospects of the remaining clubs. It’s painfully obvious that some First-Grade sides are looking down the barrel of heavy losses at the hands of the top sides, a situation that is certainly not in their or the IDRU’s best interests.  

The loss of Avondale from the Grade Competition now takes on a greater significance. 

I have been informed by the IDRU Chairman, Tom Ellicott, that the board will be meeting early next week to give consideration to the path ahead given the University Club's decision and what changes will need to be made to the 2024 program. Tom has committed the board to working with University to ensure the future of the club, and the board will be considering just how the 2024 season should progress in light of these latest developments.   

Watch this space!

Rugby Diary

Saturday May 4th 2024       IDRU Premiership Round 4

                                                Shoalhaven V University    

                                                Campbelltown V Camden

                                                Shamrocks V Vikings

                                                Tech Waratahs V Bowral

Kiama - Bye