Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Thursday, 8 August, 2019. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Greater Shepparton to host Rugby Victoria Pre-season Cup

Held at the Shepparton Sports City precinct on Saturday 14 March and Sunday 15 March, the 2020 preseason tournament will see all divisions of Victorian Senior Men’s and Women’s teams compete, with more than 450 players expected to participate.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Councillor Kim O’Keeffe said it was wonderful for Greater Shepparton to be able to secure another new event to our region.

“We are grateful to see our redeveloped Shepparton Sports City precinct has enabled us to host amazing events such as these which will see many people from around Victoria and interstate converge on Greater Shepparton to be a part of this event,” Cr O’Keeffe said.

“As the leading sporting and events capital of regional Australia we welcome these events to our region which keep our economy strong and local businesses thriving.

“We look forward to partnering with Rugby Victoria and the Shepparton Bulls to deliver a first class event for all our visitors. We hope everyone visiting will enjoy our local hospitality and have the opportunity to explore the Many Great Things within our community.”

Previously held in Geelong and Endeavour Hills, the event will advocate for positive social change with a focal point of community engagement in rural regions. Council proudly supports the event which will see Rugby Victoria bring 2,000 spectators to the region across the two days.

Rugby Victoria is committed to building capacity within regional Victoria and in conjunction with the tournament, Rugby Victoria will offer local primary and secondary school development programs for students in the week leading up to this event. These initiatives will provide an opportunity for greater regional connection and will encourage participation in Club XVs and 7s tournaments, moving forward and into the future.

General Manager Rugby Victoria Chris Evans said they were very excited to host the pre-season cup in Shepparton for the first time, next year.

“The Pre-Season Cup will be a marquee event in the Rugby Calendar with 40 teams from local and interstate clubs, expected to participate in 2020,” Mr Evans said.

“I would like to thank the Greater Shepparton City Council for their support of what promises to be a wonderful event.”

The pre-season event will build grass root connections to the sport within rural Victoria and drive interest to the local club, the Shepparton Bulls Rugby club.

The Shepparton Bulls Rugby Club play in Rugby Victoria’s Championship competition. V E Vibert Reserve is the home of the Shepparton Bulls.