Kings went undefeated last year to claim the schools third GPS first XV premiership in five competitions. 

But just one player from last year’s group returns in 2024 and coach Hugh Perrett is hoping a new crop of talented youngsters can step up and compete when the season begins on Saturday. 

Overview with Hugh Perrett: 

“It was an extremely talented side last year but they had to deal with a fair bit of pressure,” Perrett told Rugby News. 

“They’d been successful through the age groups and there were high expectations on them so to go through and win undefeated, it was a great achievement and one they should be extremely proud of.

“Winning builds self belief in kids and if they are used to winning, they can usually find a way to win, so building a winning culture is really important. 

“Although the majority of that side has graduated, I think the culture they built left a lasting impression on this year’s group. 

“This year’s group is a lot younger and we don’t have some of the superstars that we had last year, but they’ve got the same expectations of success and they’ve seen the work last year’s group put in to achieve what they did. 

“We had a rugby tour over to the UK last December and although we didn’t have our entire group for that, because of other sporting commitments, it did give us a chance to start working with them nice and early. 

“They are young and raw but they’re willing to learn and they want to win so it’s going to be interesting to see what they can do.”

What style of rugby will we see from Kings this season? 

“You’ve got to play a style of rugby that suits the players you’ve got so we’ve had to change things up to try to play to the strengths of this group,” Perrett said.  

“I’ve been impressed with our forwards through the trials, particularly last week against Newington. Our set piece was good and they put a lot of pressure on Newington in the lineout. Our scrum still needs a bit of work but it’s getting there.

“I’d love for them to stick to the plan and be consistent all season, but you don’t usually get that in schoolboy rugby and that’s why it’s so enjoyable to coach.”

2024 Squad: 

“We’ve got Issac Fonua back in the forwards from last year but he’s our only returner. 

“Most of our new players have come up from the 15s last year. They were quite a successful side and went through undefeated.  

“In an ideal world, you’d give them a season in the 16s but our depth hasn’t allowed for that in certain positions. 

“A lot of boys have been at Kings since year 7 so it’s a great opportunity for them to play first XV rugby. I know they’ll give it everything.”

What are you expecting from the season ahead? 

“I really don’t know, the trial results have been all over the place,” Perrett responded honestly. 

“Newington had some really classy players but they don’t usually have as much depth as some of the other schools. 

“Scots were probably the team everyone was expecting to be the benchmark but they got beaten by 30 by Newington. 

“Shore also look really good. Where Newington and Scots have some standout individuals, Shore are just a really well coached and well drilled side who look pretty clinical for this stage of the season.”

“They are probably three teams to watch but overall, I think it’s going to be a fairly even season.