The 2026 Shute Shield Colts (U20s) competition kicks off next weekend and ahead of the opening matches, Rugby News caught up with all 12 first colts coaches to learn more about their preparations for the season ahead. 

First up, Hunter, Southern Districts and Warringah

Hunter Wildfires with Ross Hopkins: 

2025: 8th

2026 Squad: 

“We’re excited to have 23 players returning from last season who now have a year of colts footy under their belt and are getting better with each session,” Ross said.

“This year, we’ve had 85 colts register to play, which is a massive testament to how the club is building its colts program. We’ve added the luxury of serious depth to our premier side, as well as doubling the number of coaches, which strengthens the whole program.”

What style of rugby will you look to play?

“We want to embrace our working-class edge and grind with our pack through the middle of the park, then earn the right to play fast and attack around the edges.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“It’s hard to single out just one, but I’m really excited to see tighthead prop Lucas Clifford return for his second year of colts,” he said.

“He trained with grade this preseason and has come back to us ready to go. That exposure has given him confidence to have a big year and hopefully push on to representative level.”

Who is the team to beat?

“It’s tough, but from that consistent group of Easts, Randwick, Uni, Gordon and Rats, I’d say Randwick,” Hopkins said. 

“Randwick were brilliant across all three grades last year. Gordon should also be looked at closely this year, I think they’ll be very strong. 

Southern Districts with Jake Holman:

2025: 10th

2026 Squad: 

“We’ve got a strong core of returning players this season, along with some exciting local juniors and a few new additions who have added quality depth to the squad,” Holman told Rugby News. 

What style of rugby will you look to play?

“We want to be a skilful, fast and physical side with a strong defensive mindset … full of resilience. We want to compete hard in every moment and consistently show the character this group is building.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“A few players have really stood out during preseason, including Josh Barr, Soane Ta’ai, Seb Newman and Tama Williamson. They’ve all had excellent preseasons and brought a strong presence to the group.”

Who is the team to beat?

“Our focus this year is firmly on ourselves. We’ll take each week as it comes and keep building as the season unfolds.”

Warringah Rats with David Thomas:

2025: 2nd

2026 Squad: 

“We’ve had a lot of new, young players join us this year, as you do every season,” Thomas said. 

“On top of that though, we also have a healthy number of returning colts across all three grades to provide some much-needed experience.”

What style of rugby will you look to play?

“That’s a good question — we’re still figuring that out,” the coach said.

“We’re yet to finalise the three separate grades and are very much trying to find what best suits each team’s profile. I’d like to think the players will possess the skillset to adapt to the opposition, their strengths and the conditions each week.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“It’s tough to single out one in a group of 70, but a young newcomer, Jack Drake, has had a great preseason. We’re looking forward to seeing how he develops.”

Who is the team to beat?

“The usual suspects will no doubt be tough, as they always are — Uni, Gordon, Easts and Randwick,” he said. 

“In this competition, on any given day, the bottom half of the draw could beat anyone, so it’s important not to be complacent and to respect your opposition.”