Council calls on Rugby to grow the game in Western Sydney

Thursday, 24 May 2018

Penrith City Council remains disappointed with the decision from the Sydney Rugby Union Board to exclude the Penrith Rugby Union Club after the club’s appeal failed to overturn their removal from the Intrust Super Shute Shield on Tuesday evening.

Penrith City Council remains disappointed with the decision from the Sydney Rugby Union Board to exclude the Penrith Rugby Union Club after the club's appeal failed to overturn their removal from the Intrust Super Shute Shield on Tuesday evening.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said the removal of the local club affects our community and hopes the decision has been made under the guidance of a strategic plan although that plan has not been forthcoming despite Council's interest to work with Rugby NSW.

"In 2017, Council sought feedback from Rugby NSW in developing Council's new Sport, Recreation, Play and Open Space Strategy. No documentation or information has yet been received from Rugby NSW. It is difficult to understand how such a large region shaping decision, like the removal of a team, could be made without a strategic plan in place," Cr Thain said.

"Penrith sits at the heart of Western Sydney - a region that by 2036 will be home to more than half of greater Sydney's population. We are part of the region that represents the sport's greatest opportunity for growth.

"We request that the Sydney Rugby Union supply their strategic plan for Western Sydney so that Penrith Rugby and Local Government can understand the future direction of the code in the region Council would like to meet with SRU and NSWRU to review and refine those plans for the code in Western Sydney to capture and maximise its potential.

"Penrith has a long tradition as a sport loving city and as a breeding ground of champions. We're proud of all our local teams no matter what the code. We're proud of the Emus," Cr Thain said.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 24 May 2018.