Latest news with #ShuteShield
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Caps on foreign players, star payments under radical Shute Shield overhaul
The Shute Shield will undergo a major overhaul in 2026, with teams facing weekly caps on professional stars and foreign players, and limits on payments at club level, under a radical new system that will replace the controversial player points system. The player points system, a salary cap-style talent equalisation device introduced in Sydney's premier club rugby in 2008, has been scrapped and replaced by a new 'cap system', which limits the number of certain players a Shute Shield team can have on the field at one time, within categories like contracted Wallabies and Super Rugby players, and players from overseas. In what was seen as a growing 'arms race' among many Shute Shield clubs, foreign players had grown to account for 10 per cent of all players in recent seasons (with some clubs having far more than 10 per cent); inhibiting the development of local talent and reducing the pool of eligible players for the Waratahs. Ahead of the Shute Shield finals series beginning this weekend, Sydney Rugby Union confirmed the changes in a letter to all Sydney club presidents, chairmen and general managers on Tuesday, following a three-month review. The unwieldy points system has players given a value, with Wallabies worth 20 points and Super Rugby players worth 10 points each, and factoring in other histories overseas and at junior level. But an array of discounts are also available for things like junior rep background and long service at a club. Shute Shield sides have a limit of 100 points per game, and squabbling between clubs and fans over the self-reported player values is rampant, particularly around the star-studded clubs. In 2024, Eastern Suburbs were found guilty of breaching the 100-point limit and were initially let off without punishment. But after rival club bosses threatened to boycott the Catchpole medal awards night, Easts were later docked five competition points. The penalty didn't stop the Waratahs-laden Easts side winning their first premiership in 55 years, but the saga was the impetus for the SRU to fast-track change. 'Sydney Rugby has been looking at it for a number of years, it's not just in isolation to the 2025 season or 2024 season, where we had some challenges with it,' SRU general manager Peter Watkins said.
The Age
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Caps on foreign players, star payments under radical Shute Shield overhaul
The Shute Shield will undergo a major overhaul in 2026, with teams facing weekly caps on professional stars and foreign players, and limits on payments at club level, under a radical new system that will replace the controversial player points system. The player points system, a salary cap-style talent equalisation device introduced in Sydney's premier club rugby in 2008, has been scrapped and replaced by a new 'cap system', which limits the number of certain players a Shute Shield team can have on the field at one time, within categories like contracted Wallabies and Super Rugby players, and players from overseas. In what was seen as a growing 'arms race' among many Shute Shield clubs, foreign players had grown to account for 10 per cent of all players in recent seasons (with some clubs having far more than 10 per cent); inhibiting the development of local talent and reducing the pool of eligible players for the Waratahs. Ahead of the Shute Shield finals series beginning this weekend, Sydney Rugby Union confirmed the changes in a letter to all Sydney club presidents, chairmen and general managers on Tuesday, following a three-month review. The unwieldy points system has players given a value, with Wallabies worth 20 points and Super Rugby players worth 10 points each, and factoring in other histories overseas and at junior level. But an array of discounts are also available for things like junior rep background and long service at a club. Shute Shield sides have a limit of 100 points per game, and squabbling between clubs and fans over the self-reported player values is rampant, particularly around the star-studded clubs. In 2024, Eastern Suburbs were found guilty of breaching the 100-point limit and were initially let off without punishment. But after rival club bosses threatened to boycott the Catchpole medal awards night, Easts were later docked five competition points. The penalty didn't stop the Waratahs-laden Easts side winning their first premiership in 55 years, but the saga was the impetus for the SRU to fast-track change. 'Sydney Rugby has been looking at it for a number of years, it's not just in isolation to the 2025 season or 2024 season, where we had some challenges with it,' SRU general manager Peter Watkins said.
The 42
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The 42
'I lived out in the sticks in Athenry. Two donkeys outside, free potatoes'
MOST PLAYERS WHO move to Connacht live in Galway, but Ciaran Booth isn't like every other rugby player. He marches to his own beat, literally. 25-year-old Booth, who now plays in Sydney with top Shute Shield club Easts, is the drummer in an indie rock band called The Monday Night Club. They've got a couple of EPs on Spotify. One of Booth's biggest goals in life is to cycle around the world. The former Ireland U20 international has a lively Instagram account called Ciaran Does Things, where he shares some of his outdoor adventures. So it's no surprise that he ended up living somewhere a bit different when he spent three-and-a-half years with Connacht, who he joined in 2020. 'I lived out in the sticks in Athenry,' says the affable, outgoing Booth as he sits in a restaurant in Bondi Junction. 'The lads used to always rip me for it. It was a bungalow with two donkeys outside, some chickens, a turf fire, free potatoes, free eggs. Rent was €500 a month and it was only 20 minutes to Galway. 'I'd train all day with the lads in Galway but by the time I got to 3 o'clock, I was ready for some quiet time.' Nowadays, back row Booth and his girlfriend, Lucy, are living in the hustle and bustle of Bondi Beach, one of the busiest suburbs you could find. He sometimes misses the peace of Athenry, the greenery of Ireland, and its people, but rugby and life in Sydney are good. Easts, the defending champions, are sitting clear at the top of the Shute Shield with one more round to go until the play-offs. They'll be hard to dethrone. Booth reckons those years in Galway were the best of his life so far. He won five senior caps for the province and loved learning from coaches like Mossy Lawler, Cullie Tucker, and Eric Elwood. Booth is a native of Manchester and initially came through the academy with Sale Sharks, but he has Irish blood from his dad's side of the family. Booth's granny is from Ballinasloe in County Galway and his granddad hails from Strandhill in Sligo. Booth's parents have a house in Strandhill, so they would visit three or four times a year when Ciaran was growing up. Back then, Flybe used to fly direct from Manchester to Strandhill. Booth played for Connacht five times. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO So as Booth was making his way in Sale, he came onto the radar of the Irish Exiles, although he nearly missed his chance when Wayne Mitchell, the Exiles' talent ID officer at the time, came to watch him play. 'Wayne came to one of my Sale games and I didn't know who he was,' recalls Booth with a laugh. 'He was like, 'How are you doing? Good to see you.' I just said, 'Good, cheers, see you later' and walked off. 'Thankfully, he got my number and called me a few days later!' Advertisement Booth had been focused on playing for England, but he missed out on their U18s to his bitter disappointment, just before the Irish door opened. Given his roots, it made sense and he was soon playing for the Ireland U18s. He jumped swiftly to the U19 side and then got a late call-up to Noel McNamara's Ireland U20 squad for the World Cup in 2019, despite still being a year young, after Scott Penny was ruled out injured. Things were suddenly accelerating for Booth as he joined the likes of Craig Casey, Ryan Baird, and Thomas Clarkson at the tournament in Argentina. He came off the bench in a win over England. 'That was like childhood trauma cured,' says Booth. 'That was a massive release, a very special moment.' David Nucifora, the IRFU's performance director at the time, spoke to Booth about a potential move to one of the Irish provinces. And then, the next day against Italy, Booth started at openside. He jackaled at an early breakdown. Disaster struck. Anyone who saw Booth's horrific knee injury at the time can probably still remember it. The first Italian player tried to croc roll him and fell to Booth's left, dragging at him as he fought to stay on his feet. Then, a couple of seconds later, the second Italian player thundered in at full speed completely from the side on his right. Booth's left knee folded. 'I can still hear it,' he says with a wince. 'It sounded like a Coke can getting crunched.' Booth had always been diligent with his injury prevention work. He rarely had injuries. But there is no prehab that can have prevented a horror injury like this. 'It's the most painful thing you've ever felt. It's the sudden realisation of, 'Oh shit, this is what it feels like, this is happening. 'My first thought… you could hear me on the ref mic, saying, 'No, no, no, no.' You just know a year of your life is gone.' Booth playing for Buccaneers in the AIL. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO The knee was mangled, says Booth. His ACL was ruptured. His MCL was ruptured. His PCL was ruptured. There was severe LCL damage, too. Some might have feared that it would be the end of rugby, but Booth just got busy getting better. He needed two operations, including an allograft for his PCL, which involves using a dead person's ankle ligament as a replacement. It took Booth 18 months, or 547 days, to make his return and it came for the Connacht Eagles against Leinster A. Nucifora and the IRFU kept faith in Booth after his injury and there was a chance he could have moved to Ulster, but Connacht was the right fit. 'Once you get back, you're like, 'Shit, I've got to get good again,'' says Booth. He raves about his time in Connacht, where he spent two seasons with the academy and then moved onto a senior deal for the 2022/23 season, during which he played twice in the URC and three times in the Challenge Cup. 'Just the smallest details were all they cared about when I was in the academy,' says Booth. 'It wasn't about the big picture. 'Andy Murphy, one of the S&C coaches at Connacht, always used to say, 'I'm not training you to be the best rugby player this weekend when you play in AIL. I'm training you to be the best rugby player in five years' time.' 'Mossy and the lads were just relentless every single day, sessions nailing the basics, catch-pass, breakdown, everything. 'You can see it the whole way up the chain to the Irish team, the smallest details, the tiniest little things like catching your passes square, keeping your feet in the breakdown, you can see where it all comes from. And it works.' Booth reckons he might settle down in Ireland when he's done with the adventures. He still chats to the crew in Connacht and Cathal Forde recently stayed with him on a visit to Sydney, payback for when Booth used to sleep on Forde's couch after nights out in Gaklway. He was saddened to be released by Connacht in 2023 and his time with Jersey Reds in the English Championship was short-lived because they folded soon after Booth joined. He ended up playing for Caldy in the Championship and then back with Sale as injury cover. Booth is now playing in Sydney with Easts. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO The connection to Sydney was former Munster centre Alex McHenry, who was also in Jersey when the club went into liquidation and then won the Shute Shield with Easts last year before moving to Melbourne. Living in Bondi had an obvious appeal. As well as playing for Easts this year, Booth is coaching rugby at a school called Waverley College and leading strength classes at 98 Gym in Bondi. But this is not a permanent step out of full-time professional rugby for Booth. The Shute Shield is high-quality and Booth mentions how the likes of Cormac Daly have jumped from the club competition into Super Rugby in the recent past. Booth is also keeping his ear to the ground for any pro chances in France, the US, and Japan. 'It has been a complete breath of fresh air here, rugby-wise,' says Booth. 'Everyone's super competitive, the coaches are really good, and I'm more fired up for games and training than I've been in a long time. 'Now, I just want to play professional rugby. I'm at the point now where if I don't play for Ireland, which was always the goal, but if that doesn't happen, I'll live. 'You never know, there's people that come back at 30 and get back in, shit happens, but now I just want to play professional rugby at the highest standard I can.' Whatever comes next, it seems unlikely to be boring. Ciaran does things differently.
Otago Daily Times
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Different jersey, same focus for Stag Day victor
Charlie Powell has a perfect record on Stag Day. Granted, he did play for Southland last season and helped them wrestle the Donald Stuart Memorial Trophy off Otago on Southland rugby's biggest day of the year. He plans to be part of the heist again — but this time to bring it back to Dunedin. The 25-year-old Englishman has switched allegiances. He loved his time in Southland, but the utility back has signed with Otago and has a unique insight into how much the game means to Southlanders. "I was lucky to get a Stag Day last year. It was awesome and I'm trying to get a win again this year," he said. "It's a massive day. The Southland supporters are probably the best I've ever experienced, so I know a little bit what to expect, but it's good. "I'm very excited." Yeah, Powell might not get such a warm reception now that he is in blue and gold rather than maroon. The rivalry has always been strong, but the Stag Day promotion has put more of a spotlight on the traditional fixture. The Southland fans bring enormous passion and they have been loyal through some very lean years. Powell said the best way to counter the fans' passion tomorrow afternoon was to remain focused. "I think for us as players, we're just focused on doing our roles on the pitch. "I've heard very good things about the Otago supporters too, so I think it'll be a pretty hostile environment." Powell grew up in Bristol and spent about seven years signed with the Bristol Bears. He did not always play and spent a year on loan to the Jersey Reds. When the chance to play for the Stags came up, he jumped at it. It was an opportunity to see some of the world and play rugby at a high level. He had a stint with the Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield this year, but has returned to New Zealand. "I'm not going to hide the fact that I'd absolutely love to play Super Rugby. I want to play the highest level I can play. I'm naturally pretty competitive. "For me, it's just chasing the highest level of rugby I can play. Chasing the best version and quality I can bring myself." The chasing starts again tomorrow. Veteran utility back Scott Gregory has been named on the left wing for Southland and Powell is on the right for Otago. Otago livewire Jona Nareki has been given the assignment to mark Southland speedster Michael Manson on the other wing. Those two are specialist wingers, whereas Powell and Gregory can play in the centres as well. The versatility tag is a mixed blessing. It can often mean a spot on the bench to cover several positions. But Powell is keen to embrace his opportunity on the right wing. Josh Whaanga is sidelined for at least two more weeks, so Powell will get first dibs at the No14. "I see it [my versatility] as a strength. For me, when I'm on the wing, I know what I want from my 13. "I've got a better appreciation when I'm on the wing of what the 13 wants to do as well. It's definitely rounded my game off nicely." While Powell will do his best, the game might be decided at the breakdown. The Stags have a quality loose forward trio of Semisi Tupou-Ta'eiloa, Sean Withy and Sam Fischli, who played for Otago last year. Otago have All Blacks No 8 Christian Lio-Willie in their loose forward mix and he will be supported by Harry Taylor and Will Stodart. Harry will be playing against his younger brother Jack Taylor again, who will start at hooker. Little brother has the bragging rights.
The Advertiser
28-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
A finals berth may be secure, but the Hunter Wildfires still have plenty on the line
JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it."
