The wait is over—AIC First XV rugby returns this Saturday, May 3, and the season opener between St Patrick’s College and St Peters Lutheran College is shaping up as a must-watch contest. Though the green-and-gold won’t have home ground advantage in round one, St Pat’s enter the 2025 campaign with a squad brimming with experience, power, and potential.
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The AIC competition—the largest private school sporting body in Queensland—has long been a proving ground for future stars. And if pre-season form is anything to go by, these players from Shorncliffe are set to shine.
Ryan Smallhorne — Fullback / Outside Centre
Smallhorne is the livewire in St Pat’s backline. Whether fielding high balls or slicing through defences from the edge, the Redcliffe Dolphins league rep has all the tools to be a game-breaker. A returning First XV player, he offers leadership and composure from the back and will be central to St Pat’s fortunes in both attack and defence.
Denzel Savelino — Tighthead Prop
With a full season under his belt, Savelino is back—and better. The tighthead prop, known for his gridiron background, combines raw strength with surprising agility. A cornerstone of the forward pack, he brings the kind of physicality that can swing momentum in the tight exchanges. Watch for his scrummaging power and dominant carries.
Riley and Harrison Blake — Centre / Utility Forward
Riley, a Year 12 inside centre, showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 and now returns as a key playmaker. His younger brother Harrison, one of the standouts from the 10As last season, steps up to the senior level and could line up at centre or flanker. Both brothers have drawn praise for their discipline and drive through the pre-season, and their chemistry on the field could be a game-changer.
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Expect the Unexpected
While much of the spotlight falls on established names, AIC rugby is no stranger to breakout performances—and both St Patrick’s and St Peters have a history of unveiling wildcard talents in round one. Whether it’s a quiet achiever stepping up or a new face bursting onto the scene, the opening weekend rarely disappoints.
Featured image credit: St Patrick’s College/Google Maps
Published 29-April-2025
