Junior Shamrocks – Shamrocks Rugby Club

Welcome to Shamrocks Junior Rugby

Junior rugby has been the heart of our community in Woonona for over 50 years. Since 1978, the Shamrocks have nurtured young talent from our first junior premiership in 1981, to recent success stories like local Eamon Doyle captaining the Junior Wallabies in 2025.

We have celebrated premierships across all age groups and watched our Shamrocks juniors progress to represent Illawarra, NSW Country, State teams and the Wallabies.

As we relaunch our junior program for 2025-2026, we’re seeking players, families and volunteers who share our passion for rugby and community to make the Shamrocks Juniors the #PrideoftheNorth once again. Whether you’re brand new to rugby or an experienced rep player, there’s a place for you in the Shamrocks family.

Our Vision
A welcoming, resilient and sustainable junior rugby club, based on traditional rugby values, offering great experiences for all involved.

Our Junior’s Values
Respect: We show respect for team-mates, opponents, match officials, coaches and all those involved in the game.

Inclusion: Everyone is welcome and safe to play, support, coach, and volunteer at our club, whatever their background or ability.

Sportsmanship: We shake hands with the opposition before we compete hard and fair, accept decisions, and uphold the spirit of the game of rugby.

Positivity: We bring energy, encouragement and effort to our club, and are optimistic and solution focused when things are tough or don’t go our way.

Unity: We act as one club and work together to unify the game, on and off the field

Register to Play with Shamrocks Juniors

The Illawarra District Rugby Union is holding a Friday Night Rugby 7s competition in Term 4, 2025. Rugby 7s is an Olympic sport and introduces players to a fun, fast form of rugby with less intensity in contact area, and a true community culture that can be experienced around the world!

The Friday Night Rugby 7s competition will be in a gala type format with multiple short games for each team. All games are scheduled to be held at University of Wollongong rugby fields on Friday nights, under lights.

Girls Competition (U11s, U13s, U15s) Games (Kick off times 5.30pm TBC)

24th October 2025
7th November 2025
21st November 2025
5th December 2025
12th December 2025

Boys Competition (U9s, U11s, U13s, U15s) Games (Kick off times 5.30pm TBC)

17th October 2025
31st October 2025
14th November 2025
28th November 2025
12th December 2025

TRAINING

Shamrocks Junior Rugby 7s Training will be held on Thursday nights at Ocean Park, Woonona (starting 18 September).
5pm – 6pm: Under 9s and Under 11s (boys and girls)
6:15pm – 7.30pm: Under 13s and Under 15s (boys and girls)

What to bring: Boots, water bottle, and mouthguard

COME AND JOIN THE FUN

To join a Shamrocks 7s team, please submit an EOI form via the below link.

SUBMIT EOI HERE

Volunteers

Like all strong clubs, we need a strong team of volunteers to help out. If you can lend a hand with coaching, managing a team, joining the committee or any other role, please contact us.

FAQ’s

What age groups do you cater for and do you accept complete beginners?

We welcome players from Under 8s through to Under 18s across all skill levels. Whether your child has never touched a rugby ball or has previous experience, our coaches are trained to work with beginners and help every player develop at their own pace. We believe rugby is for everyone, and our inclusive approach ensures every child feels welcome and supported.

When do junior teams train and play, and what's the time commitment?

Junior training is generally held once a week, with specific days and times varying by age group. Games are typically played on Sunday mornings at Ocean Park or away venues. The time commitment is manageable for busy families – usually one training session (1-1.5 hours) and one game per week during the season. Details are provided upon registration, and we work around school and family commitments.

Is rugby safe for children, and what protective equipment is needed?

Player safety is our absolute priority. All our coaches are trained in age-appropriate rugby techniques that emphasise safety first. Mouthguards are mandatory for all contact sessions, and we provide modified rules for younger age groups that focus on skill development rather than full contact. We follow strict safety protocols and have qualified first aiders at all training sessions and games.

How much does it cost to register my child, and are there any additional expenses?

Registration fees vary by age group, and we offer family discounts for multiple children. The main costs include registration, club membership, and basic equipment (boots, shorts, mouthguard). Training shirts and match jerseys are provided by the club. We believe rugby should be accessible to all families and can discuss payment options if needed. Full fee details are available during registration.

How can parents get involved, and is volunteer help expected?

Parent involvement is welcomed but not mandatory! Many parents enjoy helping with coaching, managing teams, running the canteen on game days, or supporting fundraising activities. However, we understand busy family schedules and never pressure parents to volunteer. The most important thing is supporting your child’s rugby journey. Those who do wish to get involved will find a welcoming community that values every contribution, big or small.

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Latest news

Match Report

Shamrocks Prevail in Grand Final Thriller to Claim Illawarra 2nd Grade Premiership

shamrocksrugby 13/09/2025

Shamrocks Produce Gritty Performance to Clinch Premiership Crown In a tightly contested Grand Final, the Woonoona Shamrocks 2nd Grade have emerged victorious, defeating Kiama 2nd Grade 13-7 to claim the Illawarra 2nd Grade premiership title. This hard-fought triumph, built on a dominant forward display and clinical finishing, sees the Shamrocks cap off a season of steady improvement with the ultimate prize. Shamrocks' Forward Pack Lays the Foundation From the opening whistle, the Shamrocks' forward pack asserted their authority, winning a series of crucial scrums and line-outs to lay the foundation for their victory. The entire forward pack was immense in...

Match Report

Shamrocks Muscle Their Way into Grand Final After Gutsy Shoalhaven Battle

shamrocksrugby 12/09/2025

Shamrocks Survive Strong Shoalhaven Surge to Secure Grand Final Berth Woonoona Shamrocks 2nd Grade have booked their place in the Illawarra 2nd Grade Grand Final, overcoming a determined Shoalhaven 2nd Grade side 31-13 in a hard-fought final at Shoalhaven Rugby Park. The victory, built on a dominant forward pack and clinical finishing in attack, sees the Shamrocks progress to face competition heavyweights Kiama 2nd Grade this weekend with a chance to clinch the premiership. Resolute Defence and Clinical Attack Key to Success In a tight and tense affair, the Shamrocks displayed tremendous resilience and discipline to grind out the result....

Juniors

Shamrocks Junior Rugby: An Exciting New Chapter Begins

shamrocksrugby 02/09/2025

The Woonona Shamrocks are thrilled to announce the launch of our revitalised junior rugby program for 2025, marking an exciting new era for young rugby players in Illawarra's northern suburbs. A Legacy of Excellence Continues Junior rugby has been at the heart of our Woonona community for over 50 years. Since 1978, the Shamrocks have nurtured young talent from our first junior premiership in 1981 through to recent success stories like Eamon Doyle captaining the Junior Wallabies in 2025. We've celebrated premierships across all age groups and proudly watched our juniors progress to represent Illawarra, NSW Country, State teams, and...

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