The Illawarra District Rugby Union (IDRU) has delayed the start of its 2026 senior men's competition by three weeks following the late withdrawal of UOW Mallee Bulls and Woonona Shamrocks from first grade. A revised draw now sees a seven-team first-grade and 10-team second-grade competition kicking off on Saturday, April 11, instead of the originally planned March 21 start with nine teams.
IDRU president Tom Ellicott praised Vaughan Judd, the new chairman of rugby, for working tirelessly to develop a suitable competition format. The new structure allows clubs flexibility to play on Fridays and Saturdays, with options for Friday evening fixtures when facing UOW or Shamrocks. Gala days have been integrated to ensure 14 competition rounds.
This is not the first time UOW has withdrawn from first grade; the Mallee Bulls also pulled out in 2024 before returning in 2025. Ellicott emphasized that both clubs worked hard during pre-season to recruit and were transparent about their challenges, allowing the district to collaborate on solutions. He stressed the importance of supporting clubs rather than cutting them off.
Despite the setbacks, Ellicott highlighted positive trends in junior and women's rugby participation, with all clubs fielding sides across age divisions. The under-18s and girls' and women's rugby have seen a resurgence, led by new women's rugby director Grace Wright. The IDRU has also secured hosting rights for the Under-15 State Championships for the next three years.
Ellicott noted that participation rates have exceeded pre-COVID levels, with nearly 2,500 people actively engaged in rugby last year. The union is working with NSW Rugby Union and Country Rugby Union on planning, and has formed a working group with Wollongong City Council, UOW, and Destination Wollongong to explore opportunities for the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups.
