HJ, you are a Sunnybank boy aren't you? I watched a game of Colts last year and Tom Lucas smashed us in defence. I have always been a fan of his older brother since East Coast Aces days. Tom seems to be getting good reviews in Prems each week. Was he considered for the 20's. We play you guys in a week or two so I dare say I'll be able to judge for myself
Tom didn't expect to play Premier so he is off to Europe for 3 weeks (booked early in the year). He will feature in years to come, most likely initially in the 7s.
Dion Taumata and Jake McIntyre will both be back in the next 2 weeks so the Bank should be well covered.
It will be good to catch up with the players from the 20s and see what they think.
In 2007 which was the last year before the IRB 20s started we had an U19 National Tri-Series at the start of the year and a Trans-Tasman series in October (Qld won both!).
If we combine some of the suggestions you would have the following structure.
October of preceding year: Provincial U19 Tournament (possibly Trans Tasman)
November - February: Academy Programs
March - April: Premier Rugby
May: Camp & U20 Test v NZ (maybe 2 Tests)
June: IRB Tournament