NSW Junior Rugby Union
Every year we’re flooded with questions about the different Representative Rugby pathways in NSW — from the NSW Juniors (club) and NSW Schools pathways, right through to the Elite NSWRU and Waratahs Academy programs.
To make things easier, NSW Juniors, NSW Schools and NSWRU have teamed up to streamline, simplify and align these pathways so every young player in NSW can clearly see their opportunities and understand how to progress to higher levels of rugby. Our goal is a transparent, inclusive and vibrant pathway for all.
To help break it down by age group, we’ve created a set of easy-to-follow Rugby Pathway Roadmaps. These roadmaps outline each step along the journey, providing clarity for players, parents, coaches and schools.
Check them out and see exactly how the rep pathways work for every age group!🏉💙💛
In the U10 and U11age groups, players are still developing under pathways rules — smaller field sizes, 12-a-side teams and slight law variations designed to support their introduction to the game.
To celebrate this stage of their rugby journey, NSW Juniors proudly hosts The Peugeot NSW Junior State Galas, one of the most enjoyable weekends on our calendar.
🏉 2026 State Gala Venues
U10s: The King’s School, North Parramatta U11s:Glen Willow Sports Complex, Mudgee
📅 18–19 July 2025
This gala has no finals— just pure rugby fun. Every team plays 2–3 games per day in a friendly round-robin format designed to provide an entry-level Rep experience without the pressure of results. Zones and Districts may enter two squads of up to 18 players, graded A & B to help us match teams evenly and ensure enjoyable, competitive games for all.
🎉 A Carnival Atmosphere
The weekend is packed with excitement both on and off the field, including relay races, novelty events, and plenty of opportunities for players and supporters to enjoy the festival vibe. It’s already an iconic event in the NSW Juniors calendar — and one well worth the trip!
🏆 “Spirit of Rugby” Awards
One of the most meaningful parts of the gala is the focus on values. All teams, officials and supporters are in the running for the Spirit of Rugby Awards, judged on conduct, sportsmanship and positive behaviour across the weekend — not results.
These awards are truly unique — we’re not aware of anything else like them in junior sport.
👉 Note: No further teams are selected from this tournament.
🏉 Bonus: State 7s Gala
For players who love the faster format, the U11 State 7s Gala for mixed District teams will also beheld at Glen Willow, Mudgee on 8–9 October 2026.
The U12 and U13 age groups reach their pinnacle with The Peugeot NSW Junior State Championships — the premier event on the junior representative calendar. Unlike the younger age groups, this is a fully competitive tournament with finals, trophies and the crowning of official State Champions.
🏆 Trophies Up for Grabs -
U12s: J.C.Degotardi Trophy
U13s: B.J.Gregory Shield.
No further representative teams are selected beyond this carnival — this is the top of the pathway for these age groups.
🗓️ 2026 State Championships held over the June Long Weekend (6–8 June):
U12 State Championships 📍Hosted by Manning River Rats RFC, Forster-Tuncurry.
U13 State Championships 📍 Hosted by Orange City Rugby, Waratahs Fields.
As with our older age groups, the Country Champs and Sydney Cups will again run within the State Championships structure in 2025.
🌱 U12 Development Gala (NSWJRU)
To help broaden opportunities for young players, NSWJRU will host a special U12 Development Gala on 4–5 July (school holidays). Districts & Zones are invited to enter a second team —separate from their State Champs squad — offering more players the chance to experience Rep rugby in a fun, carnival-style environment.
🏫 School Pathway – PSSA
In addition to club pathways, the PSSA Primary School Championships (CIS, Public & Catholic sectors) also run for the U12 age group.📅 August 2026.
🏉 7s Pathway for U13
For players who enjoy the speed and skill of 7s rugby, the U13 NSWRU State 7swill take place at Glen Willow, Mudgee on 8–9 October 2026. These teams are selected as Zone/District Representative squads specifically for the State 7stournament.
The Under 14 age group is the first stage in the NSW pathways where players can be selected beyond the State Championships to higher-level representative fixtures. It’s an exciting step up — and one that marks the beginning of genuine performance pathways for young athletes.
At this age, teams compete for the prestigious Hawton Trophy, a piece of rugby history first awarded in 1958.
🗓️ 2025 U14 State Championships
📍Venue: Apex Oval Fields, Dubbo 🏉 Hosted by Dubbo Roos Rugby Club 📅 June Long Weekend (6–8 June)
🔵🟡Selection Pathway (Post-State Champs)
Both NSW Country (CRU) and Sydney Junior Rugby Union (SJRU) will each select a 40–46 player squad out of the State Championships. These teams will play at the NSWJRU Regionals 📅 4-5 July 📍 Camden Rugby Park, hosted by Camden Rugby Club
At the Regionals, the extended squads are split into teams (e.g., Red/Blue or Black/Gold) to play trial matches. From these fixtures, selectors choose the final: Sydney U14 Team & NSW Country U14 Team. Players who miss final selection remain in the pathway and are eligible for the NSWJRU U14 Development Team, which will tour Adelaide (or Hobart) to play South Australia & Tasmania from 14–16 July.
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🏆 City vs Country – Tim Gavin Shield
The final Sydney and Country U14 teams go head-to-head at the NSWJRU City vs Country Carnival: 📅 Sunday 26 July 📍 Newcastle, Sportsground No. 2
🔝 Further Opportunities – Waratahs Pathway
Outstanding U14 players may also be identified by the Waratahs and invited into the U15 Next Gen Cup development program later in September — a significant step toward elite youth rugby.
The Under 15 age group is where the Representative pathway really begins to intensify. For many players, this is the first year where performances directly influence opportunities at both City/Country level and the Waratahs development pathway.
🏆 2026 U15 State Championships
The first major step for selectors and players is The Peugeot NSW Junior State Championships, which also incorporates the Country Champs and SJRU Sydney Cup.
Trophy: John Goddard Shield Host: Maitland Rugby Club Venue: Marcellin Park, Lorn Dates: June Long Weekend 6-8 June
🔵🟡 Selection After State Champs
Following the Championships, SJRU will select three representative teams: SJRU Red, SJRU Blue, SJRU Barbarians (Baa Baa). From NSW Country (CRU), two teams will be selected: Country Black & Country Gold
These five teams will compete at the NSWJRU Regionals: 📅 4–5 July 📍 Camden Rugby Park
This tournament serves as the key selection trial for: The Sydney U15 Team & the NSW Country U15 Team. It’s also a prime opportunity for players to be identified for Waratahs development programs.
There will also be a development XV selected from State Champs from players who miss Sydney and Country selection – this team will tour Japan in Dec/Jan.
🏆 City vs Country – Steve Tuynman Cup
The final Sydney and NSW Country U15 teams will then clash at the City vs Country Carnival: 📅 26 July 📍 Sportsground No. 2, Newcastle
Every match along this pathway acts as a trial for the NSW U15 Next Gen Cup Program, which runs in September and provides further elite development opportunities.
🏉 U15 Sevens Pathway
For players in the 7s format, the NSWRU State 7s will be held:
📅 9-11 October 📍 Glen Willow, Mudgee
Teams are selected as Zone/District Representative squads, with an NSW U15 Sevens team chosen from the tournament and subsequent trials.
The junior pathway is supported by a huge network of weekly competitions across both club rugby and school associations. Many players actively compete for both their school and local club — but in the Under 16 age group, these two pathways formally intersect for the first time at Representative level.
🏉 Club Pathway – U16
For club players, the journey continues along the familiar route: The Peugeot NSW State Championships (including Country Champs & SJRU Sydney Cup). Competing for the historic Chas Hansen Trophy (first awarded in 1961). Followed by Regionals, which act as the key selection trials for both SJRU and NSW Country (CRU) U16 teams
🎓 Schools Pathway – U16
At the same time, the Schools Associations run their own representatives elections: CHS, CCC, AICES, GPS, CAS & ISA. All hold trial days through May and June. These selections feed into the NSW Schools program, with trial games on 27 & 28 June determining places in the NSW Schools I & II teams. These final sides are not announced until after 6 July.
🔵🟡 Regionals
At the U16 level, both systems meet. 2 x NSW Country U16 teams and 2 x SJRU U16 teams compete at the Regionals Tournament: 📅 5–6 July These squads are then cut down, but final team announcements are delayed until 7 July to allow coordination with NSW Schools selections.
🤝 How Team Selection Works (The MOU)
Because players may be selected in both the schools and club pathways, NSW Schools, SJRU and CRU use a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allocate players fairly.
The MOU determines which association gets “first pick” for shared players.
In 2026, NSW Schools has first priority over SJRU & NSW Country also has first priority over NSW Schools. Once first picks are confirmed, depth chart players fill any open positions. This final selection process takes place on 7 July, with all teams announced shortly after.
🏆 NSW Invitational Tournament – Where Pathways Converge
The culminating trial for state honours is the NSW Invitational, a round-robin selection event:
📅 10 & 12 July
Teams competing: NSW Country U16, Sydney U16, NSW Schools I, NSW Schools II
These games determine selection for the two x NSW U16 Waratahs teams that will compete in the U16 National Academy games.
Additionally, NSW Country and Sydney will contest The Ella Cup at The Rugby Club Foundation NSW City vs Country Carnival: 📅 Sunday 26 July
🏉 U16/17 Sevens Pathway
For players in this age group who excel in Sevens:
The U17 NSWRU State 7s runs at Glen Willow, Mudgee 📅 29 September – 1 October
U17 teams are selected as Zone/District Rep squads
From this tournament, NSW 7s teams are chosen to compete at the Next State Level teams.
U18 Representative Pathway – Simplified Overview (2026)
The U18 representative space generates the most questions each year, particularly around the relationship between Schools, Clubs, and the NSW Waratahs Academy. To remove confusion, all parties (NSW Juniors, NSW Schools and NSWRU) have aligned their processes so that all players ultimately enter the same NSW and Australian selection pathway, regardless of where they start.
1. Key Summary
All U18 Associations — Schools and Clubs (GPS, CAS, ISA, CCC, CHS, AICES, CRU, SJRU, Sydney U18 and NSW Country U18) —will take part in a coordinated set of trial matches.. From these trials, three NSW team will be selected in 2026: NSW Schools I , NSW Schools II & NSW Juniors. These three teams will compete at the Australian Schools & Junior Rugby Championships in early July on the Sunshine Coast.
In addition, there is a bonus team- NSWJRU Barbarians U18. Selected exclusively from players who compete in the NSW State Championships (Plays for the N.S.W.J.R.U Shield. including Country Champs & SJRU Sydney Cup).. Competes in Division 2 at the same Australian Schools & Rugby AU National Championships.
2. How Each Group Selects Their U18 Teams
Sydney U18 - Open trial days: 17 & 24 May. Squad is selected from these trials. Open to any registered player (Provided they are still U18-eligible) in: SJRU, SRU Colts, & Suburban Colts
NSW Country U18 - Open trial day: 10 May - Any eligible Country player may nominate.
NSW Schools Associations - GPS,CAS, ISA, CHS, CCC & AICES. Select their teams through separate school-based trial processes by late June.
3. Dual Eligibility (Club + School)
Many players qualify for both pathways. These players must choose one pathway when selected in more than one team. However—it does not matter which pathway they choose because: All associations play trial games against each other - All games are observed by the same NSW selectors - All pathways feed into the same NSW and Australian U18 selection process
4. NSW Team Selection Process (for Nationals)
Important: - To be considered for NSW selection, players must take part in these trials. From the combined trials on 25–26 June, selectors will choose: NSW Schools I, NSW Schools II, & NSW Juniors
Selection Rules - Schools I selects players 1–15 first - Schools II selects next from remaining players - NSW Juniors selects its 1–15 from the pool afterward - The cycle then repeats for positions 16–23
Injury Protocols - Players injured before 22 June living in Greater Sydney must attend a medical check at the trial venue. Country players or those outside Sydney will have their situation assessed via NSW medical staff.
5. Waratahs U18 Academy & PONI Pathway
In February/March, the Waratahs U18 Academy plays two games vs Queensland.
After these matches, a group of players will be selected into a PONI (Players of National Interest)squad. More players may be added up until 7 September, so remaining active in pathways is critical.
6. National Championships &Australian Selection
NSW Schools I, NSW Schools II, and NSW Juniors all compete at the Australian Schools & Junior Rugby Championships in July (Queensland).
From this tournament, selectors choose the AustralianU18 team and the Australian Schools team
7. Additional U18 Fixture
Sydney U18 vs Country U18 - Michael Brial Cup - Sunday 26 July – Newcastle. Plenty of opportunities exist for players to impress NSW selectors throughout these matches.
Some answers to many FAQ's
1. How many NSW teams can a player be selected for?
A player may only be selected for ONE of the three NSW teams: . 🏉 NSW Schools I 🏉 NSW Schools III 🏉 NSW Juniors
2. Who runs the Waratahs Academy teams?
The NSW Rugby High Performance Department manages all Waratahs Academy programs.
3. Can Waratahs Academy players participate in the Australian Schools & U18 Championships?
Yes— as long as they are not in the PONI squad. PONI-listed players follow a different national pathway and generally do not compete at ASRU Championships.
4. Do players need to attend the Association trials to be selected?
YES. Only players who participate in their Association’s trials will be considered for NSW selection. Availability for trials is mandatory.
5. Who is eligible for NSW Schools teams?
Any student who still attends school, and who plays for: any school Association (GPS, CAS, ISA, CHS, CCC, AICES), SJRU, or CRU,
is eligible for NSW Schools I and NSW Schools II selection.
6. What about players who have finished school?
Players who have left school are not eligible for NSW Schools teams. They are only eligible for: Waratahs Academy teams, and NSW Juniors / NSWJRU Barbarians.
7. Can school-based players be selected in the NSW Juniors team?
Yes— if they also play club rugby. The NSW Juniors team may include players from school Associations who are active in community club rugby.
8. Who can be selected for Australian Schools Barbarians?
Only players who are still at school are eligible for the Australian Schools Barbarians team.
9. How is the Australian U18 team selected?
The national team is chosen from: State Academy fixtures, combined state performances, and identified players progressing through Waratahs (and other state)High-Performance programs.
10. How is the Australian Schools Barbarians team selected?
The Australian Schools Barbarians side is selected from players who compete at the ASRU Championship (Australian Schools Rugby Union Carnival).
