Returning SCIRF league finalist Saint Augustine will take the pitch for their first regular season game this Saturday when they face La Costa Canyon at 2pm.

The Saints, which ended the season ranked #17 by Goff Rugby Report / FloRugby, return 15 seniors from a team that finished undefeated in regular season before getting upended by St. John Bosco in the final.

"We have high expectations and standards for our group," said Saints Head Coach Ethan Willis. “The boys have worked hard in the offseason and preseason. We’ve got a group that understands each other and understands the philosophy of how we want to play. Now it is about ticking off the daily items that will get us there.”

Saints are led by senior captains Aidan Konja, Matt DeFrates, and Micahel Colucci. All three played representative rugby over the summer and senior lock Elliot Florance was recently named a High School All American.

“Our seniors have done a particularly good job of preparing themselves and those around them for a tough SCIRF season. With over fifty players on the team, selection for the varsity side is competitive and those who start will have earned it," said Willis. 

La Costa Canyon opened its season last week with a close loss to San Clemente. But that doesn't mean LCC will be an easy proposition for Saint Augustine. San Clemente is slated to take on Fallbrook on Friday, while Mira Costa will face Cathedral Catholic in the opener for both.