Waratahs and Warringah young gun Archie Saunders is chasing a Super Rugby debut in 2025 before turning his attention to winning a Shute Shield premiership with club side Warringah. 

21-year old Saunders, who will play from the bench in the Waratahs first trial of 2025 on Saturday, broke into Warringah’s first grade side last year on either side of impressing for the Junior Wallabies at the U20s World Cup. 

On the back of his most consistent preseason since finishing school, the Narrabeen Tigers junior has high hopes for the months ahead. 

“Last year I got to play a fair few Shute Shield games and also went overseas with the Aussie 20s, then I’ve had a pretty uninterrupted pre-season so far so I feel a lot better than I have at this time of the year compared to other seasons,” the outside back said. 

“The Tahs’ squad has also changed quite a bit as well and there is lots of new energy, it’s exciting to be part of it.”

Wallaby Darby Lancaster and Randwick duo Triston Reilly and James Hendren will start in the back three for the Waratahs against NSW Pasifica at Eric Tweedale Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Saunders hopeful of playing close to 40 minutes from the bench. 

He’ll battle those three, Wallaby Max Jorgensen and new recruits Andrew Kellaway and Joseph Suaalii for a spot in the matchday 23, but seems confident he can offer something different to the talented teammates around him. 

“There’s obviously lots of competition in the back three and lots of players putting their hand up for selection. 

“Since the Wallabies returned, it’s gone up a level again and it’s been great to get to train alongside and learn from a guy like Kel (Andrew Kellaway) and (Joseph) Suaalii. 

“I’ve really noticed how much they put in to the little things around training, like their prep and their mindset and I’ve tried to pick up a few of those things. 

“I’m focussing on doing all the little things really well. If I nail my detail and do the simple things right, then I think I’ve got the ability to play the physical style of game that we want to play this year within our backline. 

“That’s been a big emphasis this preseason and I think that suits my game and my body shape.”

If he isn’t wearing sky blue, Saunders is equally as eager to wear Warringah’s green and white stripes. 

The Rats were big improvers last season under new head coach Josh Holmes, but fell just short in the 2025 preliminary final against eventual premiers Easts. 

“Straight after that semi final loss we were talking with the coaches about the 2025 season,” Saunders said. 

“It was a great season but we just couldn’t quite finish it off and I’m confident we’ve got a big year ahead of us. 

“Most of the squad is returning and there are quite a few new guys that have come into the squad as well so everyone is really keen to improve on what we were able to do last season.”

The Waratahs trial against NSW Pasifica kicks off at 4pm at Eric Tweedale Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

The two sides will also face off in U20s and Women’s fixtures on either side of the main game at the free event.