The Western Force is thrilled to confirm the Pomare Shield will be contested again in 2026 with the second edition of the North vs South Women’s Series.
The three-game series will run across three weekends from late September to mid-October following on for last year’s successful pilot.
The North vs South concept is geared towards identifying and developing the top female talent across Western Australia, providing meaningful and high-quality match opportunities.
The seven Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade clubs have been split into two regions, with Wests Scarborough, Wanneroo and Perth Bayswater representing the North and Palmyra, Southern Lions, Kalamunda and Cottesloe representing the South.
Selection will be based on club performances, previous Academy involvements and talent identification from Force and RugbyWA staff. Training will commence on Tuesday 1 September.
The games will be played at Southern Lions RUFC, followed by Nedlands Rugby Club and finally at UWA Rugby Club.
Western Force female high performance and pathways manager Claudia Bell said: “The first edition of the North vs South Series was a big success for our women’s pathways program, so it’s great that we’ve been able to build on the series for 2026.
“Last year, we exposed a wider pool of young WA female talent to a higher level of competition and a high-performance environment, providing a clear step into the progression into Super W.
“We’ve already seen that bear fruit with several players from that series earning Force contracts. We’re excited about where that can lead in 2026 and beyond for WA in rugby and the Force.”
Coaches and playing squads will be confirmed in coming weeks.
North vs South Women’s Series
Saturday 26 September – Southern Lions RUFC, Success Regional Sport & Community Facility
Saturday 3 October – Nedlands Rugby Club, Charles Court Reserve
Saturday 10 October – UWA Rugby Club, UWA Sports Park
