Northampton Saints’ Academy system aims to produce players capable of making the grade in professional rugby, and has now cultivated a group of household names – such as George Furbank, Tommy Freeman and Alex Mitchell.

Moreover, Academy graduates Alex Coles, Ollie Sleightholme, Fraser Dingwall and Henry Pollock have all been named in England’s current Six Nations squad.

The number of international age-grade representatives also continues to rise, with current Senior Academy players Archie McParland, Craig Wright, Ollie Scola, Aiden Ainsworth-Cave and Jonny Weimann all involved with England Under-20s in their own Six Nations campaign – proving the system is working better than ever. 

There are several tiers to the Saints Academy system. Hundreds of young players aged between 13 and 20 receive coaching from the Club – ranging from the bi-weekly Player Development Groups (based in Northampton and Colchester) to the Senior Academy who train full-time at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.

Saints coach several age-group sides, with the focus being on developing the individuals involved so they are well-rounded both on and off the field. Players are given regular game time in the Under-16s, Under-17s, Under-18s and Premiership Rugby Cup competition – reaping the rewards with the Premiership Rugby U18 Academy League title back in February.