Australia’s smallest rugby state is determined to keep punching above its weight at next week’s Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield.
Tasmania's Jack Jumpers ended a six-year win drought during last year’s ARS – defeating Queensland Suburban 33-22 in pool play – and will hold no fear when tackling their fancied mainland rivals in Newcastle.
Learn more about the 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield.
Tasmania coach Chris Noble is determined to build on their 2024 momentum and told rugby.com.au there’s plenty to like about the current crop of ‘Jackies’, who went down 27-19 in a game of three halves against Country Victoria last weekend.
“Our team in the first third were largely a development side and held Country Vic scoreless until the last play – I think four of five of those boys played U18s this year,” Noble said.
“It was a great game and it would’ve been nice to win but Saturday wasn’t really about the scoreline.
“To get another ten or so players in a Tassie jumper last weekend was really exciting and hopefully they loved the experience and want to go again.”
Tasmania have named a 26-man squad for their 2025 Shield campaign and will tackle NSW Country, Queensland Suburban and a Wildfires Development side in Pool A.
“We’ve been training well and last week’s game against Country Victoria was all about building cohesion in our squad,” Noble said.
“I think the side we’re taking away to Newcastle is the most cohesive and most prepared we’ve had.”
Tasmania has further hopes of developing its representative women's program following a successful two-game tour of Melbourne last week.
Playing back-to-back on Friday and Saturday, Tasmania emerged unbeaten with victories over Western Districts Wildcats (31-23) and an invitational Melbourne University XV (29-17).
TASMANIA JACK JUMPERS 2025 ARS SQUAD: Aiden Fenney, Aron Lovell, Arron Ladlow, Braidyn Dawe, Callum Lyall, Charlie Boman, Christo Le Grange, Edward Salter, Enzo Balducci, Harrison Lane, Harrison Thomas, Ioane Taufui, James Holman, Jamie Walters, Leon Tuivasa, Matthew Noble, Michael Lovell, Nathan Fiu, Noah Kazarine, Peni Vea, Shotaro Tsubota, Tenaka Harrison, Tenju Hayashi, Thomas Scarfe, TJ Pieters, Vincent Bell
