The 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield has reached its midway point with five teams still in the hunt for a national title.
Reigning Shield holders Queensland Country Heelers (men) and ACT & SNSW Kestrels (women) remain frontrunners after going unbeaten on Wednesday and Thursday.
DAY 2 RECAP: All the action from the 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield.
ACT & SNSW (10 points) have already sewn up their place in the women's Shield final following bonus point wins over NSW Country and South Australia.
Meanwhile, Sydney Women (9 points) only need a bonus point from Saturday's intra-state clash with the Corellas to book their ticket after defeating Queensland Country and South Australia.
In the men's competition, Pool A leaders Queensland Country have one foot in the Shield final - a win over NSW Subbies on Saturday will guarantee their place, but a draw or two losing bonus points will also lock in their title defence.
The Heelers kept a clean sheet on Day 1 against ADRU - running out 53-0 victors - before rolling South Australia 47-7 on Day 2.
Meanwhile, Pool B will be decided in a local derby between NSW Country Cockatoos and the Wildfires Development team on Saturday after both sides went 2-0 to start their campaigns.
They'll clash at 2:15pm on Saturday October 4 with the winner guaranteed their berth in the men's Shield final.
The 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield is delivered in partnership with naming rights sponsor Buildcorp Group and the City of Newcastle - check out visitnewcastle.com.au for more.
Visit rugby.com.au/videos for full replays and you can also purchase tickets here with all proceeds going back into supporting grassroots rugby in the Hunter.
