Sydney University Football Club (SUFC) is pleased to announce they will be taking the Shute Shield to the Country!

For the very first time, SUFC Grade and Colts sides will be playing against Eastern Suburbs (Easts) on Saturday March 28th at Bowral Rugby Club, Bowral.

SUFC Grade had been scheduled to play Easts at Uni’s home for the round 2 clash, but due to the unavailability of Uni No.1 Oval as a result the field still being used by Sydney University Cricket Club at that time, the club has had to source an alternative venue.

This has provided the club with the perfect opportunity to do something different, and with many players of both clubs coming from country regions of NSW, it is a terrific chance for local supporters to get to a game which they ordinarily would be unable to attend.

“A lot of our players are from similar rural communities and rural Rugby Clubs, so having the chance to play in Bowral is something we are excited about” said SUFC Head Coach, Chris Malone, who is looking forward to the opportunity to play in the country.

“Some past greats of SUFC including Charles “Chuck” Carter and Angus Stephen are involved in Bowral rugby now so it will be a great chance for players past and present to enjoy a good day out”.

It is also a great chance to bring the entire club together, and with Eastern Suburbs’ support, SUFC has been able to make this a Super Saturday round, with all our Colts teams also playing on the day.

“Hopefully we can make a huge day of it and encourage as many supporters of rugby to come out and watch some quality Shute Shield rugby, across all our teams, in a fantastic setting” said Malone.

Bowral Rugby Club is excited to have the Sydney teams utilise their fields and facilities for the day in support of country rugby, and Bowral Rugby Club President, Mark Freund, hopes this will be the start of a number of elite fixtures being played at their club.

“Bowral Rugby Club couldn’t be more pleased to be holding the SUFC vs Easts fixture” said Freund. “We as a club are working hard to build our club as the premier country location to hold elite level rugby games. With two fields expertly looked after by our local council it is the perfect location to hold multiple games of rugby playing side by side.”

“Our clubrooms are also currently undergoing a major refit and Bowral Rugby Club is confident of hosting rugby clubs like SUFC whose reputation for playing quality rugby proceeds it.”

Bowral Rugby Club and SUFC will also be working with food and beverage suppliers in the Bowral area to not only support the local community but also provide SUFC and Easts supporters with a taste of the country throughout the day.

Bowral Rugby Club is 90mins outside of Sydney, and kick off for 1st Grade will be at the usual time of 3pm (with the full schedule still to be confirmed). Tickets to the game will be $15 for adults, kids and students go FREE as with all regular SUFC home games. All SUFC members will also get access to this round game as part of their membership in 2015 (details to come).

For full 2015 Shute Shield draw please click here.