Rugby Union South Australia is excited to announce the release of the 2026 Competition Draw following extensive consultation with Club Presidents, Junior Delegates, Women’s Delegates, and Competition Delegates.
The 2026 season promises to deliver an exciting year of rugby across all grades, with several key developments that strengthen competition pathways and participation opportunities throughout the state.
The men’s competition shall see the a nine-team Premier Grade Men’s competition, with the reintroduction of Port Adelaide Rugby Union Football Club into the top tier. Second and Third Grades will also see a planned ten teams competing for honours.
The Women’s Competition will feature a new two-stage structure designed to support sustainable growth and participation. The first nine rounds will see teams compete for the Challenge Cup, a format that allows clubs to build player numbers and experience XVs rugby through modified playing numbers. Following the Challenge Cup, the competition will transition into 15-a-side rugby, with clubs encouraged to strengthen their squads ahead of the final’s series, which will align with the senior men’s competitions as in previous years.
The Youth Girls Program will continue as part of the Rugby Australia Pilot Program, offering a single division aimed at Under 16 players. The grade will cater for 14-, 15-, and 16-year-olds, pending parental consent, to support skill development and team continuity. Matches will be played at a central venue on Friday nights, allowing players to also participate in mixed-gender rugby with their clubs on Saturdays.
2026 will also see the introduction of the Junior State 7s Competition, to be contested across a three-round championship in September. This new competition will provide clubs with the opportunity to recruit and enter teams in Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 age groups, creating an exciting new pathway for young players to engage with the fast-paced Sevens format.
Rugby Union SA thanks all clubs and representatives who contributed to the consultation process in shaping a competition that reflects the evolving needs of our rugby community.
