The ACT & SNSW Rugby Union have announced Penrith will join the John I Dent Cup for the 2022 season.
The move comes after the Emus were left out of the Shute Shield for 2022 after not being offered a spot as part of the new competition agreement.
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Penrith's move to the ACT competition was supported unanimously by the clubs, committed to fielding teams across 1st Grade, Women, 2nd Grade and Colts.
"Penrith are a proud club with a rich history and strong community focus," Brumbies Rugby Deputy CEO and General Manager Community Rugby, Craig Leseberg said in a statement.
"The Emus have great support from Penrith City Council and local businesses and healthy playing numbers across their senior rugby program.
"This is exciting news that gives certainty to their dedicated players, coaches and volunteers.
"ACT & SNSW Rugby are delighted to be able to support Penrith’s ambitions to play at a Premier Rugby level and thrilled at the prospect of a refreshed competition structure for next season, as we eagerly re-emerge from a COVID interrupted 2021."
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"Firstly, I want to thank Peter Johnson, Phil Thomson, Craig Leseberg and the ACT & SNSW Rugby Union's Board of Directors for their consideration and conduct throughout this process and I also want to thank ACT & SNSW's premier clubs for their overwhelming support of Penrith joining the John I Dent Cup," Penrith Emus President Gary McColl added.
"The competition has a wonderfully rich history, and when we think of some of the players the John I Dent Cup has produced, we can only be excited for young rugby players in Penrith, girls and boys who hope to go on to bigger and better things.
"This has obviously been a difficult time for everyone at our club but we have stuck together and can now look forward to an exciting new era for the Penrith Emus."
