Blue Crane Capital Managing Director Chris Hall, said “as a finance brokerage, Blue Crane provides high-value property finance solutions across home loans, commercial investment and construction loans and the partnership affirms our commitment to supporting the Premiership clubs and their communities.
“Our business and staff have long-standing ties to Sydney club rugby and we’ve seen first-hand how the game brings out the best in players and volunteers - creating connection, community and shared purpose.”
“I have treasured memories of my father and brothers heading out to grounds like Coogee Oval, TG Millner and Granville Oval to watch the likes of Cheika, Campese and Burke in club colours.
It’s these moments, seeing Wallabies up close, which sparked my lifelong love for rugby and the Shute Shield.”
“Our team feel a deep sense of pride to be associated with the greatest club rugby competition in the world and we are extremely excited for the season ahead”
Established in 1923, Australia’s oldest premier rugby competition enters a new era, with the Blue Crane Capital Shute Shield extending Stan Sport and Nine as broadcast partners and returning with a match of the round on free to air TV each week.
President of Sydney Rugby Union Grahame O’Donnell welcomed Blue Crane Capital as naming rights sponsor in a time when club rugby has never been more visible in this country.
“It’s fantastic to have such a proud rugby supporter in Blue Crane Capital coming into the Sydney Rugby Union family as a sponsor of the Shute Shield.
“The Shute Shield is one of the most iconic club rugby competitions in the world and is more open and exciting than ever, with five different champions in the past six seasons.
“2026 sees the return of a free to air coverage on NineGem in NSW and NineNOW Nationally and the continuing support of Stan Sport where every match will be available to watch live and on demand.
Shute Shield will be available for all fans across the Country and if you can’t make it to the ground, fans can watch from the comfort of their homes.”
The Blue Crane Capital Shute Shield kicks off on Saturday 11 April, featuring 12 teams playing 18 rounds, culminating in three weeks of finals and a Grand Final on Saturday 5 September.
