Tasmanian Rugby is off and running in 2025 following a jam-packed TRU Men's opening round across the state.
Hobart Lions and Eastern Suburbs kicked off proceedings on Friday 9 May under lights before the season began in earnest across Launceston, Devonport and Hobart on Saturday.
The Lions opened their account in style with centre Zac Summerfield (three tries, five conversions) and fullback Charlie Black (two tries) spearheading an emphatic 83-8 victory over the Roosters.
Eastern Suburbs struggled to contain last year's Championship (Division 2) winners with the Lions running in 13 tries to one in an attacking masterclass at Rugby Park. Caiden Bryan was the Roosters' sole try scorer.
Meanwhile reigning Premiership (Division 1) winners Launceston 1 wasted no time in stamping their claim on a fourth straight TRU title by downing a 12-man Glenorchy 134-3 at Royal Park.
Winger Leone Vonoyauyau (three tries) headlined the Tigers' 20-try performance with halfback TJ Pieters banking 44 of his side's points (two tries, 17 conversions).
Hobart Harlequins also raised the bat in their season opener, defeating an undermanned University outfit 110-12 at Rugby Park on Saturday.
The students fought hard with just 10 men and scored twice through Lloyd Gallaher and Oliver Brancher but couldn't keep up with their hosts as winger Jonah Albert (three tries) and the Harlequins backline ran riot in a clinical 18-try trouncing.
Perennial contenders Taroona also found joy in Round 1 with George Chaperon-Tucker and Enzo Balducci bagging doubles in a 39-20 win over Launceston 2.
Penguins skipper Noah Kazarine added 16 points from the tee but Taroona were kept honest by the Tigers' second team with Matataiasi Katoa and Vonivate Bokadi crossing for tries on home soil.
However the game of the round was undoubtedly played at Emu Park with Devonport downing hosts Burnie 31-29 in a Coastal Clash classic.
Despite being outscored five tries to four, the Bulls emerged two-point victors thanks to halfback Josiah Jeffrey's 11-point haul including four conversions and a penalty goal.
Veteran lock Oliver Crawford (two tries) was also key while winger Hudson Connell-Kelly and Jamie Tanti touched down in an important away win to launch the Bulls' campaign.
