Rugby has retained a foothold in western Sydney, with cash-strapped Parramatta included in the 2010 Shute Shield.

The Australian Rugby Union, NSWRU and the 11 other NSW Premier Clubs have pledged financial and development resources in order to keep Parramatta as an integral part of the competition this season.

Parramatta will field two grade teams this year as well as two colts teams.

While the immediate focus is to get the Two Blues in a competitive position for the start of the Shute Shield on April 10, NSWRU chief executive officer Jim L'Estrange said further strategic plans were being developed to ensure the future health of rugby in western Sydney.

The AFL will have a new team in their competition in western Sydney next year, while soccer will have another side in the A-League in the area for the 2011-2012 season.

"The development package which will allow Parramatta to compete in the Tooheys New Shute Shield this year is not a quick fix," L'Estrange said.

"It is the result of a collective effort from all levels of the game aimed at improving the clubs playing depth and shoring up the future of the premier club in western Sydney."

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