Promotion and Relegation Coming to Victorian Rugby
For most of its history, Victorian club rugby has worked like a closed shop: once a club was in the top competition, it generally stayed there. That is set to change. Rugby Victoria has said it is working toward a divisional system with promotion and relegation, a model familiar to football fans around the world, with 2028 named as the target.
This article explains what promotion and relegation means, why Rugby Victoria wants it, how the current Dewar and Ward Shield structure is paving the way, and what clubs need to do to prepare.
What Promotion and Relegation Means
In a promotion and relegation system, clubs are grouped into divisions based on strength. At the end of each season:
- The best-performing clubs in a lower division move up (promotion)
- The weakest clubs in a higher division move down (relegation)
This creates a direct link between results and status. Clubs that improve can rise to the top level, while clubs that struggle must earn their place back. It is used in many sports worldwide, including football in Europe and the community rugby leagues in England.
The Timeline So Far
Victorian rugby is moving toward this model in stages rather than all at once.
| Year | Key Step |
|---|---|
| 2025 | End-of-season review finds the competition needs change |
| 2026 | Transitional season: ten clubs, combined Championship phase, then Dewar and Ward Shield split |
| 2027 | Structure retained with refinements; Shepparton joins; Top 4 finals return |
| 2028 | Target for divisional rugby with promotion and relegation |
| 2029 | Target for a stable six-and-six model and Colts pathways at every premier club |
Rugby Victoria said in early 2026 that divisional rugby could arrive in 2027 if club entry numbers increased. Its later update focused on keeping the current structure for 2027 and letting it mature before bigger changes.
Why Rugby Victoria Wants Change
The push toward divisions grew out of a simple problem: too many one-sided matches. When strong, deep clubs regularly play rebuilding sides, heavy scorelines are common, and that is not enjoyable for either team.
A divisional system aims to deliver:
- Closer contests between clubs of similar strength
- Meaningful matches all season, including at the bottom of the ladder
- Clear goals for every club, whether that is promotion or survival
- Room to grow, so new clubs can enter and work their way up
Rugby Victoria summed up its thinking with a simple line: stronger clubs, stronger competitions, a stronger Rugby Victoria. Its direction is to build stronger clubs before expanding competitions.
How the Dewar and Ward Shields Set the Stage
The 2026 format already looks like a soft version of divisional rugby. All ten clubs played nine rounds on a combined 1st and 2nd Grade ladder. The top five then played for the Dewar Shield and the bottom five for the Ward Shield.
The difference is that, for now, every club starts each season on the same ladder. Under a full promotion and relegation model, clubs would begin the season already placed in a division based on the previous year’s results.
Current Model vs Future Model
| Feature | 2026 to 2027 Model | Planned Divisional Model |
|---|---|---|
| Start of season | All clubs on one ladder | Clubs start in fixed divisions |
| How groups are set | Split after nine rounds | Based on previous season |
| Movement between levels | Within the same season | Promotion and relegation between seasons |
| Preferred size | Five and five, then 11 clubs in 2027 | Six Dewar and six Ward clubs |
Rugby Victoria has not yet published the exact rules for promotion and relegation, such as how many clubs will move each year. It has said these processes, along with entry requirements, should be confirmed early so clubs can plan.
Growing to 12 Clubs
A six-and-six model needs 12 clubs. Rugby Victoria considers 11 clubs the minimum viable size for the current structure. Progress so far includes:
- Brimbank joining the top senior competition in 2026
- Shepparton confirmed to join in 2027, bringing the total to 11
- A 12th club to be chosen through an application process
Applications will be assessed against sustainability criteria, which means clubs will need to show they can compete over the long term, not just for one season.
New Entry Standards for Premier Clubs
Promotion and relegation comes with higher expectations. Rugby Victoria plans to publish formal Premier Competition Entry Criteria. Areas expected to be covered include:
- Governance: a well-run club with proper structures
- Player numbers: enough players to field competitive teams
- Multiple senior teams: depth beyond the 1st XV
- Club accreditation: meeting recognised standards
Pathways are also a priority. Rugby Victoria wants premier clubs to support junior, women’s, and Colts rugby, and has set a goal for every premier club to offer a Colts program or a recognised development pathway by 2029. Minimum media standards for host clubs, including camera positions for filming matches, are also being planned.
Safeguards for Uneven Divisions
One risk of any division system is a large gap in quality within a group. Rugby Victoria has said it will review safeguard options for the Ward Shield, including a possible uneven split, such as six or seven clubs in one group and four in another, if there is a significant performance gap. These options are still under review.
The Rugby World Cup Factor
The timing of these changes is also linked to a major event. Australia hosts the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027, and Rugby Victoria has said season timing for 2027 and beyond will be reviewed with the tournament in mind.
A home World Cup is a rare chance to attract new players, volunteers, and fans. A clearer, more competitive club structure could help Victorian clubs make the most of that interest, giving newcomers an exciting competition to join once the tournament ends.
What It Means for Clubs
Promotion and relegation would raise the stakes for every club. Clubs will need to:
- Recruit and retain enough players for multiple senior grades
- Invest in junior and Colts programs
- Strengthen administration and volunteer bases
- Plan finances for life in either division
Clubs in a rebuilding phase, such as recent returnees to the top level, may see the system as an opportunity: a fair chance to rise through results rather than relying on invitations.
What It Means for Players and Fans
For players, the new model should mean more competitive rugby week to week. For supporters, it adds drama at both ends of the ladder, with promotion races and relegation battles giving every match a purpose. Rugby Victoria also plans a player survey to gather direct feedback as the structure develops.
Final Thoughts
Promotion and relegation coming to Victorian rugby would be one of the biggest changes in the long history of the Dewar Shield. Through the 2026 transitional season, the 2027 refinements, and a 2028 target for divisional rugby, Rugby Victoria is building toward a 12-club, two-division competition with clear entry standards. If it works, the result should be closer matches, stronger clubs, and a healthier future for the game in Victoria.
Jante Smith is a creative and dedicated content writer who loves turning ideas into clear and engaging stories. She writes blog posts and articles that connect with readers. She ensures every piece of content is well-structured and easy to understand. Her writing helps our brand share useful information and build strong relationships with our audience.