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

By Ron Wood

The Future of Rugby in the Illawarra.

The demise of Wollongong University from the IDRU First Grade Premiership race for 2024 has created a real dilemma for the IDRU as a whole. The Board has called a Special Meeting of all clubs for next Monday 6th May at the Builders Club, kicking off at 6.30pm. 

The major issue of the meeting is to discuss the way forward, given the impact the University withdrawal will have on the season program and what changes will need to be made to the Competition Draw itself. Uni’s withdrawal as it stands leaves us with two byes in First Grade with a break of two weeks for the bye clubs when the byes kick in. This situation is completely unacceptable and some form of restructure is required in order to maintain the integrity of the First Grade Premiership. 

One suggestion is for the competition to be regraded into three divisions to better accommodate the current playing strength of all clubs. Another way would be for the draw to be reformatted with the current eight first grade. Such a redraw would create significant problems with the lower grade draw. 

Given the current state with several clubs struggling for player numbers, which is creating a huge gap between the top clubs and the rest, real consideration needs to be given to the regrading proposal in the best interests of the IDRU as a whole. 

One regrading proposal would see the First-Grade comp reduced to six clubs (Shoalhaven, Shamrocks, Kiama, Campbelltown, Camden, Bowral), with six in Second Grade (Shoalhaven, Shamrocks, Kiama, Vikings, Tech Waratahs, University) and seven in Third Grade (Shoalhaven, Shamrocks, Campbelltown, Vikings, Tech Waratahs, Camden, Bowral). All clubs will need to confirm just what their playing strength is based on through their current registration numbers, before a call can be made as to the final makeup of the Grades.  

The decisions to be made going forward from here will have a huge impact on the future of Illawarra Rugby. The changes we are witnessing in the demographics of our region is having a huge impact on the Illawarra Rugby Zone as we know it. 

It is clearly time for some form of change in competition structure, not only locally but also in terms of NSW Rugby. The Powers That Be at  NSW State level must look more closely at the current Competition and Player Development Structures for the sake of the future of Rugby, particularly in the Illawarra.

On a Brighter Note

Congratulations to Camden junior Caitlyn Halse who this week was named in the 30-player Wallaroos Squad to prepare for the upcoming Pacific Four Series to be played throughout May. Caitlyn becomes the latest Illawarra product to get the opportunity to pull on the Green and Gold, after starring in the Lady Waratahs rise to the top of Super Rugby W, the very talented young Fullback will be vying with Australia’s best for a spot in matches against Canada, the USA and New Zealand.  Caitlyn will be very much in the running for the No.15 jumper when coach Jo Yapp names her side for the first match against Canada, set down for Alliance Stadium on May 11th. At 17 years of age, she may have to bide her time but with matches also in Melbourne against USA on the 17th May at AAMI Park and then against New Zealand on the 25th May in Aukland, many keen judges are of the opinion that she won’t have to wait long for the opportunity. Well done Caitlyn from all at Illawarra Rugby.

Super Rugby 

For the second week running it’s Aussie against Kiwi across the board in Super Rugby. Last week only the Brumbies found a win against the New Zealand sides, with the Force and the Reds sadly going down in close ones. You had to feel for the Reds last week going down in extra time as they did after looking the goods against the high-flying Blues.  On form it looks like it may well be more of the same this week. The Waratahs are away to the Hurricanes and a win for the Tahs here is not likely. The Rebels host the Blues and will struggle. The Reds travel to the Crusaders and may well give this one a real shake. The Chiefs should be too strong for the Force at home. The Brumbies will be firm favorites at home to the Drua. My Tips for this week: Hurricanes, Blues, Moana, Crusaders, Chiefs and Brumbies. 

IDRU Matches

Shamrocks are at home again this week, this time against arch rivals Vikings. The Rocks have had three losses so far this year but were up against the three top sides of the year so far. Vikings are on the bottom of the table, one behind the Rocks, and will be keen to get one up on the Rocks early in the season. I have to go for the home side but if Vikings can get all hands on deck they could give the locals a scare. Shamrocks to Win. Tech Waratahs host Bowral at Saunders Oval after registering their first win of the year last week at Vikings. The Blacks had a similar win over Vikings in Round 2 in their only outing of the year after the University withdrawal last week. This should be an interesting match but I think I’ll go with the home ground advantage and tip Tech Tahs. Tech Waratahs to Win. The match of the round is at Campbelltown with the battle of Macarthur. The Camden Rams have made an unbeaten start to the year and sit one behind Kiama at the top of the table. Against Shoalhaven and Kiama, the Quinnies had two losses but were very competitive and will be a handful for the Rams. I think that Campbelltown may well have the advantage in size and power here but with former Quinnie Halfback Terry Fanolua calling the shots for the Rams, this will be a very interesting contest indeed. I am going with the home ground advantage. Campbelltown to win.