Sydney Rugby Union 1st Colts 2025: Favourites poll, top four, dark horse, club tipped to shock

Easts are favourites but there’s a club touted a genuine dark horse and another with the ability to shock in the Sydney Rugby Union 1st Colts comp starting this weekend. Poll

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

2 min read

April 2, 2025 - 12:37PM

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Waratahs' Jacob Veiru is with Eastern Suburbs. Picture: John Appleyard.

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Eastern Suburbs 1st Colts coach Dan England is comfortable in the knowledge his team has a big target on their back after their big win in the Sydney Rugby Union 1st Colts competition last season and the club’s domination of club rugby in 2024.

England believes being pin pointed as the team to beat will keep his charges on their toes and bring out their best, even when they lose their rep guns to Australia U20 duties for multiple weeks.

“I think it’s a good thing to have pressure on and they have to perform week in and week out,’’ England said.

“It (the absence of Australian U20 players) will leave a significant hole but we have depth across the club.

“The guys from the 2nd Colts will be ready to step up. We feel like we have the guys to do it.’’

The 2025 1st Colts season kicks off with a raft of games across Sydney at the start of an 18-week regular season showcasing the best teen talent in the game.

Easts go into the season as the defending champions after their rollicking 53-14 victory over Gordon in the season decider after the north shore team beat Uni in a semi-final boilover.

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But England has identified two other clubs he believes have the ability and talent to be disruptive this year.

“Sydney Uni will be strong again and they have great facilities and a good team,“ England said. “Gordon will be strong. They versed us in the final in 20224 and have a lot of guys returning

“But the real dark horse this year could be Warringah. They have recruited really well from St Augustines and Barker.

“They’ve got player like Nick Hill, Sam Blank, Aaron Brennan from St Augustines and quite a few returning who played last year.

Will Guilfoyle is playing with Easts again this year. Picture: Julian Andrews

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“I think they will shoot up from last year when they came sixth.

“Dave Thomas is a new coach and he has reinvigorated the professional environment there.’’

England has also identified another team that finished well out of the mix last year to watch for in 2025.

“West Harbour could be interesting,’’ he said

“They have done a good job of recruitment and development.

“I think their top level will push the top six. They could give a few shocks for teams.’’

England has managed to keep numerous players from last year’s grand final including Will Guilfoyle, Charlie O’Kane, Nate Tiitii, Jacob Veiru and Josh Va’alotu, Edwin Langi and Tom Girle.

England said some of Easts strengths heading into the season are their power and strength out wide.

“We also like to be creative. It’s why some teams can struggle against us.’’