The 2021 CAS Rugby season kicks off on Saturday and if trial results from recent weeks are anything to go by, it’s going to be as competitive a season as we’ve seen in recent years.

We spoke to the coaches of the schools ahead of round one this weekend.

Trinity

Trinity head into Saturday’s opening round CAS clash against St Aloysius’ on the back of six straight trial wins. 

Former Super Rugby and Shute Shield winning halfback Michael Snowden will coach the team for a second straight season and likes his side’s chances of causing an upset or two in the months ahead. 

Click here to read the Trinity season preview

Barker

Barker fell just short of their third straight CAS title in a Covid interrupted season in 2020 but return a year later with an experienced squad desperate to go one better.

Arguably the form team of the trial period, Barker seem to be the team most rival coaches are talking about ahead of round one.

Click here to read the Barker season preview

Cranbrook

A bigger and more experienced Cranbrook side will look to play expansive, attacking rugby in 2021 and coach Brad Gill seems confident his side will be right in the mix.

Cranbrook have scored plenty of points throughout the preseason and if they can tighten up their defence, they’ll be tough to beat.

St Aloysius’

St Aloysius’ head into Saturday’s opening round CAS clash against Trinity on the back of four wins from their past five trial matches. 

Former Waratahs No.9 Brendan McKibbin has joined the college and will coach a talented squad who appear eager to move the ball around the park and cause some upsets this season. 

Click here to read the Cranbrook Season Preview 

Knox

Knox head in to the opening round of the 2021 CAS season full of confidence on the back of consecutive victories over Riverview and Newington.

Cam Blades has welcomed back a number of players from last year’s campaign and appears to be quietly confident about his side’s chances in a tight CAS competition this year.

Click here to read the Knox Season Preview

Waverley

The defending premiers will look to claim their 38th CAS first XV title a little later this year and if Waverley’s trial form is anything to go by, they appear to be in with a shot.

Waverley are undefeated so far this year and have beaten Newington, St Augustine’s, Shore, Kings and Oakhill in recent weeks.