The Dave McCormack Memorial Shield was initiated to recognize the contribution to NSW Country Junior Rugby by the late Dave McCormack, with the Shield donated by his colleagues within the Police Force in the Far North Coast of NSW.  

Dave's love for NSW Country Junior Rugby was only surpassed by the game itself and his connection to the Rugby Community in general.  Many small clubs throughout Country NSW have been lucky enough to reap the rewards from the vision and passion Dave had for the game, through his involvement as a Coach, President and mentor to the many young players he met.

Originally, the Dave McCormack Shield was awarded to the winners of the annual representative fixture between the NSW Country U14's and a Brisbane Junior Representative side, but with the changing structure of the NSW Junior Rugby program, it now sits pride of place as the ‘Spirit of Rugby’ award for a player in the NSW Country U14’s side following the Positive Rugby Foundation City vs Country Carnival.

With a decade of support from the National Rugby Camp in Armidale, the recipient of the Dave McCormack Memorial Shield & the associated Dave McCormack Camp Scholarship is chosen through the demonstration of sportsmanship, teamwork and respect for the game, the identical attributes that Dave himself exhibited to all those fortunate enough to have shared in his Rugby legacy.