Leichhardt Oval: Rugby’s stand on Shute Shield 2022 grand final after railing collapse

Footage of the railing collapse at a schoolboy game at Leichhardt Oval on the weekend has gone viral. But how will it impact plans for other rugby games scheduled at the suburban ground?

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

less than 2 min read

August 11, 2022 - 1:40PM

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Sydney Premiership Rugby’s Kerry Brady has confirmed plans are forging ahead to host the grand final of the Shute Shield premier club competition at Leichhardt Oval on September 3 despite a railing collapse at the iconic suburban oval last weekend.

The Shute Shield enters is finals series this weekend with eight teams playing in the preliminary finals of the famous competition which was cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The season decider of the competition has been scheduled for Leichhardt Oval and will go ahead as planned.

Competition manager Brady said while the oval needs some “love and care” it is a perfect setting for the grand final. “We have no issues,” she said.

“That area will be repaired or blocked off.

Gordon celebrating after beating Eastwood for the 2020 Shute Shield with the decider played at Leichhardt Oval.

“We have absolute confidence in Leichhardt Oval, Inner West Council and the venue management.

“They are exceptional to deal with and they take the safety aspect very seriously.”

The railing of a viewing area collapsed on Saturday.

Brady said Leichhardt is a “lovely” venue and the perfect size to host events such as the Shute Shield and even Waratah’s match-ups.

A number of investigations are underway in the aftermath of multiple spectators being sent tumbling when a safety rail gave way at the Riverview v Joeys match on Saturday which attracted an estimated 15,000 crowd.

There have been calls for an upgrade at the Oval for some time.