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

By Ron Wood

Once again, I find myself asking the question, which I can assure you is being asked by many local Rugby enthusiasts. What is the future of Illawarra Rugby?

The IDRU Competition Table is now clearly divided in two sections. These sections clearly indicate the problem facing Illawarra Rugby that should have been dealt with years ago. The demographics of our zone has changed enormously over the last 20 years and, despite a couple of attempts to adjust our competition structure so that it better reflected those demographics, nothing has been done and Rugby is now suffering the consequences.  

Shoalhaven, Camden, Kiama and Campbelltown make up the frontrunners. Bowral, Shamrocks, Tech Waratahs and Vikings make up the rest along with University who are fielding just second Grade. Clearly there is a problem with the club structure in the Wollongong City area that must be addressed. 

Consider last week’s results. Vikings went down to Campbelltown by 111 – 0, on the back of forfeiting second grade. Tech Waratahs lost to Shamrocks 36 – 0, while Bowral lost to Shoalhaven 51 – 10. The division between the top and the bottom is increasing each week. 

The three Wollongong-based clubs are all struggling for numbers and it is difficult to see all three clubs surviving into the future. Over the last 20 years two attempts were made by the IDRU Powers That Be to make changes to the competition structure that would better reflect the demographics of our zone. However, the traditional clubs of the time didn’t share the concerns and would not agree to the proposed changes.

In the first decade of this century, it was proposed to change the competition structure into two divisions to create a better vehicle for the then emerging clubs to build and prosper into the future. Clubs like Wollondilly, Appin, Robertson, Vincentia and Shellharbour had emerged and a new format was required to give these and other new clubs the opportunity to move forward. The traditional clubs refused to accommodate these new clubs in what I believe was a fair and reasonable fashion, which pretty much hamstrung those clubs from being able to promote themselves and Rugby in these new areas. 

From those days when we had some 18 clubs and 44 teams going around every weekend we have stood by and watched these clubs and others disappear altogether. In 2014 another attempt was made by the IDRU Board to restructure the Competition which was meant with a similar response from the traditional clubs and the status quo remained.    

With the additional problems created by Covid, we now find ourselves in a very parlous situation and some action must be taken now if we are to see a viable future for Rugby in the Illawarra. 

There are plenty of other issues effecting Rugby here and elsewhere around NSW and what we are seeing here is by no means unique to the Illawarra. I am more convinced than ever that new structures are required right across the board if we are to see rugby survive as we know it into the future.

I am calling for all involved in Illawarra Rugby to commit to a complete reappraisal of just where Rugby is in the Illawarra and what is needed to ensure the future of our game. This can only happen with the co-operation of all involved and a commitment from all to set aside club loyalties and consider what matters for the future of the game. 

I also believe that it is reasonable for consideration to be given to our relationship with neighboring areas such as South West Sydney, Southern Sydney, and ACT Southern NSW Rugby to ensure that the future of Rugby is assured in the Illawarra.    

Rugby Diary 

Saturday July 27     IDRU Round 15

                                Bowral V Shamrocks

                                Shoalhaven V Kiama

                                Tech Waratahs V Campbelltown

                                2nd Grade

                                Bowral V Shamrocks              

                                Shoalhaven V Kiama

                                Tech Waratah V Campbelltown

                                University V Camden