Darwin rugby will make a return in October with the sport reverting to a traditional Wet season schedule

DARWIN rugby union will make a sooner return than expected with the competition set to revert to a wet season schedule starting October 23

Darwin rugby union will make a sooner return than expected with the competition set to revert to a wet season schedule starting October 23. Picture: Che Chorley

DARWIN rugby union will make a sooner return than expected with the competition set to revert to a wet season schedule starting October 23.

All grades will be included in the new competition schedule despite the previous season only finishing play on August 15.

The move comes following extensive consultation with clubs, members, families and the rugby union community with widespread endorsement for the change.

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NT Rugby Union CEO Tamie Needham said the move had been greatly received by all clubs and member and would see the sport return to its traditional season structure.

“Darwin club rugby was traditioinally played during the wet season but changed to the dry season in the early 2000s,” Needham said.

“With the number of sports on offer now in the Dry, a shift back to the traditional season should make it easier for players to manage their sporting commitments while still being able to play rugby union.

“This move has been met with wide praise from all the clubs after much consultation with many looking forward to returning to the wet season.”

In A-grade, Darwin Dragons will be looking to maintain their finals winning momentum with a three-peat in mind though they will not be alone in the race to prepare for the new season.

Casuarina will be looking for revenge after losing the 2020 final in overtime 17-15 putting them back on the hunt for their first title since 2013.

While University Pirates will want redemption going undefeated through the regular season to be knocked out in the finals.

Players that play both rugby codes will be pleased with the change of season with recent years seeing sides struggle for numbers due to the conflicting seasons.

The union will now play at the same time as the NTFL with the two codes less likely to conflict than the crossover rugby seasons.

The season will run over 15 rounds with the grand finals set to play in March.

Breaks for the Christmas and New Year period have been incorporated into the schedule with four weeks off for seniors and seven for junior grades.

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Last games before the Christmas break will be held on December 12 with seniors returning January 16 and juniors returning February 6.

A full draw will be released by the NTRU in October once club nominations are finalised.