ACT & SNSW Kestrels have unveiled a new-look squad to defend their women's Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield in Newcastle next week.
The ACT & SNSW women have been an ARS standout since their 2023 entry, finishing third on debut before lifting wood last year following a 15-10 grand final victory over Queensland Country.
Learn more about the Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield.
In total, the Kestrels have won seven of their eight Shield fixtures and take a six-game hot streak into next week's Shield defence in Newcastle after running out 19-14 victors over Victoria in last week's exhibition game.
The likes of current Brumbies Bonnie Brewer, Martha Fua and Chioma Enyi helped spearhead their Shield win last year, however, this year's squad is vastly different with just six players backing up from the Kestrels' 2024 campaign.
Brumbies mainstay Iris Verebalavu headlines the returnees alongside Ellie Burnett, Jane Morrison, Jess Grant, Milly Lucas and Siena Edwards.
Meanwhile, Queensland Suburban have set themselves a lofty goal of finishing third or higher when the 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield kicks off in Newcastle next week.
They won’t be the only Subbies this time around - NSW Suburban will make their long-awaited Shield debut and expectations are high for the newcomers.
However, Queensland Suburban coach Andrew Kirk is also aiming high following last year’s fourth place finish in the men’s Shield at Caloundra.
“We’re pretty happy with how we’ve recruited and feel we’ve got a pretty strong squad this year,” Kirk told rugby.com.au.
“North Lakes have a few in, Brisbane Irish, Forest lake, Ipswich rangers, Southern Bay Cyclones – it’s a good spread with boys from all over.
“We came fourth last year but that was just one win and we’re a much stronger team than we were last year.
So yeah, top three is our goal and we’ll be throwing everything into that first game against NSW Country.”
Queensland Kelpies will be headed up by Matt Moynihan with veteran player Alecia Pienaar also on staff.
“One of the girls suggested I put my hat in the ring and here we are,” Moynihan joked.
“But it’s a great group, we’ve got a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm and we’re excited for the week.”
The 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield kicks off Wednesday October 1 in Newcastle.
