NSWRRA Development Squads
For season 2026, the Development and Appointments Committee of NSWRRA (DAC) has approved seven squads for NSWRRA members doing senior games.
These comprise of:
- 2 Performance Squads
- Shute Shield Panel (SSP)
- Shute Shield Development Squad (SSDS)
- 3 Community Squads
- Squad Flip
- Squad Philthy
- Squad Pilot
- 2 Transition Squads
- Sydney Transition Group (STG)
- Transition Squad
Members are asked to nominate for squad membership at the start of each year with the squad structure changing depending on the number of available MODs and development needs of MOs at that time.
The two transition squads are particularly aimed at those who are new to refereeing senior Rugby.
If you joined the association after squads were determined and would like to be considered for membership of one, please email your request to dac@nswrugbyreferees.com.au
Download the list of squad members here:
Sydney Youth Referee Academy (SYRA)
NSWRU runs SYRA as a development program for youth referees in Sydney. SYRA is a multi-year program for referees aged 15-18 (going into years 10-12 or equivalent for school-leavers).
Participants are grouped into year cohorts and undergo a structured education program under the direction of their squad coach, as well as attending specified tournament opportunities.
Nomination is open to any referee who commits to the requirements of the program. NSWRU normally calls for nominations at the end of the winter season (Sep/Oct) and announces program participants by Dec for the following year.
NSWRRA members selected for SYRA in 2026 are:
Year 10 – Aidan Heaton, Mirei Kikuchi
Year 11 – Freddie Finlayson
Year 12 – Nick Rowley
If you have any questions about SYRA membership please contact divan.uys@nsw.rugby
There is an equivalent program for youth referees from Country NSW run by the NSWRU Country Referee Development Officer (stuart.formston@nsw.rugby).