The Australian Rugby Shield is tipped to launch a new era for Sunshine Coast Rugby as the energy builds ahead of next week’s tournament.
With 12 teams from across the country descending on Caloundra’s Lighthouse Park, Sunshine Coast Rugby Union general manager Mike Aronsten is determined to use this year’s national showpiece to send the local game skyward.
Watch the 2024 Australian Rugby Shield live and free via rugby.com.au/videos from October 2-6.
“We’ve hosted the South Queensland championship for the past two years and this year’s TRC U20s which we had great support for but hosting the ARS is fantastic,” Aronsten told rugby.com.au.
“It’s been a while since we’ve hosted Super Rugby teams but we’ve got great facilities on the Sunshine Coast and great people leading the way."
“We’ve got big plans for rugby in the region and want a big facility over the next few years. Our Friday night competition has grown from four to eight teams this year and we’re putting a lot of effort into growing the women’s game too.
Aronsten says hosting this year’s ARS (October 2-6) will be comparable to previous Super Rugby trials and TRC U20 fixtures held in the region.
“It's a big opportunity. I've been here since 2015 and we had a Super Rugby game here back in 2022 but we’re a special rugby community and it's exciting to be hosting the ARS."
“Caloundra’s a great facility and there’s a fair few local players in the mix for Queensland Country so if you’ve got the time, I’d encourage those living nearby to come down and check it out.”
Host union Queensland Country finished second (women's) and third (men's) in last year's edition and are among this year's Shield favourites alongside powerhouse NSW Country.
ACT & SNSW Kestrels will be a strong contender in the women's draw after placing third in 2023 while the Tasmanian men's Jack Jumpers are a crowd favourite.
Meanwhile South Australia shocked many in 2023 with their best campaign to date while Queensland Suburban and the Australian Defence Rugby Union are an unknown quantity this time around.
The 2024 Australian Rugby Shield is being delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council.
