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 the Wallabies.

Our Vision and Values

As we relaunch our program, we remain committed to being a welcoming, resilient and sustainable junior rugby club based on traditional rugby values. Our core principles guide everything we do:

• Respect: We show respect for teammates, 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 and play hard but fair, accepting decisions and upholding the spirit of rugby
• Positivity: We bring energy, encouragement and effort to our club, remaining optimistic and solution-focused when things get tough
• Unity: We act as one club and work together to unify the game, on and off the field

Friday Night Rugby 7s Competition

We’re particularly excited about the Illawarra District Rugby Union’s new Friday Night Rugby 7s competition in Term 4, 2025. This Olympic sport introduces players to a fun, fast form of rugby with less intensity in contact areas, creating a true community culture that can be experienced around the world.

The competition will run in a gala format with multiple short games for each team, all scheduled at University of Wollongong rugby fields on Friday nights under lights.

Girls Competition (U11s, U13s, U15s)

• Games kick off at 6pm
• Dates: 24th October, 7th November, 21st November, 5th December, 12th December 2025

Boys Competition (U9s, U11s, U13s)

• Games kick off at 5pm
• Dates: 17th October, 31st October, 14th November, 28th November, 12th December 2025

Training and Development

Shamrocks team training commences Thursday 18th September, 6pm-7:15pm at Ocean Park for all teams. We’ll also organise earlier training opportunities for younger kids, depending on interest levels.

Get Involved

Whether your child is brand new to rugby or an experienced player, there’s a place for them in the Shamrock family. We’re seeking players, families and volunteers who share our passion for rugby and community to help make the Shamrocks Juniors the pride of the North once again.

To register interest in playing for a Shamrocks 7s team, simply click here.

Volunteers Needed

Like all strong clubs, we need dedicated volunteers to help us succeed. If you can lend a hand with coaching, managing a team, joining the committee, or any other role, please contact us. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps build our community.

The rebuilding of Shamrocks Junior Rugby starts now. Join us as we write the next chapter of junior rugby excellence in the northern suburbs. Once a Shamrock, always a Shamrock.

For more information or to get involved, visit our Juniors page here.