The ACT & SNSW Kestrels delivered a stellar showing at the 2025 Australian Rugby Shield in Newcastle last week, narrowly missing out on the championship title after an outstanding four-day run.

The Kestrels, featuring five Uni-Norths Owls, Iris Verebalavu, Jess Grant, Elodie Galinier, Jane Garraway and Claudia Obst, showed grit and class throughout the competition, representing the region with pride against the best from across the country.

The campaign began with a strong 24–15 win over the NSW Country Corellas on Wednesday, setting the tone for a confident week. The Kestrels backed it up on Thursday, powering past the QSRU Kelpies 41–5, before producing another dominant performance on Saturday, defeating the SA Black Falcons 43–5 to book their place in the Grand Final.

In Sunday’s decider, the Kestrels went toe-to-toe with Sydney Women in a thrilling contest that came down to the wire, ultimately falling 17–19 in a heart-stopping finish.

It was an incredible week of rugby for the squad, who showcased the depth of talent and passion driving women’s rugby across the ACT and Southern NSW.

Congratulations to our Owls representatives on an exceptional campaign and for flying the flag for the club on the national stage.