Many of the major changes will be based around the youth sector of the game, with the status of under-19 teams elevated by playing their games between reserve grade and third grade.

The under-19's will also have their Club Championships points elevated to second highest value after first grade.

The under-19s competition will be replaced in 2006 with under-18 and under-20 competitions.

IDRU President Terry Wetherall said that the competition needed to see its player base grow, but also to ensure players were retained.

"It is extremely important for the transition from juniors to seniors to be seamless while attractive," Wetherall said.

"That is why we are putting pressure on clubs to focus their attention on the development of under-19 and under-20 players so that we can sustain our local product and showcase a higher standard of rugby in the Illawarra.

"The transition and introduction of a colts under-20 competition in 2006 will assist this goal."

2006 will also see the IDRU enter a first grade and a colts representative side in the proposed NSW Rugby Union Shute Shield competition.