A fresh batch of potential stars step out for the first time on Saturday as the season opens for St Johns Club Whanganui Metro Colts rugby team.
The Manawatu colts division champions from last season will meet old foe Massey White in a home game at Spriggens Park at 2.30pm on Saturday.
Mark Cosford and Russell Gedye have taken over as co-coaches from successful duo Darryl Malcolm and Carl Gibson and the pair are keen to retain the tradition and culture of a side launched to help bridge the gap between school and club rugby.
Metro won the Broome Shield for finishing top of the table after the round-robin games last season, and the early-season Friday night competition then had a convincing 47-7 win over Massey White in their semifinal at Spriggens Park, securing their spot in the final against College Old Boys which they duly won to take the title.
This year will be Metro's fourth season and each year from day one have improved their end-of-season positions on the table.