News
Ten young Saints join the Blues
Bedford Blues were delighted to welcome ten of the brightest Northampton Saints prospects to training earlier this week as Mike Rayer’s troops step up preparations for the new campaign.
In June 2020, both clubs formally announced a strategic partnership to formally co-operate on a number of playing, coaching and training opportunities.
This began last season, when a total of 16 Northampton players pulled on the Bedford jersey, including Bedfordshire born tighthead prop Ed Prowse who was one of only five players to feature in every Blues’ league game.
Tui Uru and Jack Hughes have since gone on to become full-time members of the #BluesFamily, while Ollie Newman, Connor Tupai, Emmanuel Iyogun and Tom Litchfield were all rewarded for their exploits at Goldington Road by being afforded game time in the Saints final match of the season.
Contained within this year’s contingent are eight familiar faces from last season; Prowse, Newman, Tupai, Litchfield, Callum Burns, Dani Long-Martinez, Ethan Grayson and Josh Gillespie.
In addition to these players, we are pleased to welcome Bedford School’s Kayde Sylvester and fellow back row option Duane Willemsen to Goldington Road to complete the core group of Saints players.
Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer said: “It’s great to see some familiar faces back and also to see a few new faces as well. We’re excited by the blend which we can hopefully get into our matchday squads next season.
“Northampton Saints have been producing great academy players through their development pathway in the last few seasons and hopefully the partnership will continue to flourish.”
Northampton Saints Head of Academy, Mark Hopley said: “Playing in the second tier, and having Jake Sharp in the environment too, is hugely beneficial and we've seen the likes of Tom Litchfield, Ollie Newman, and Josh Gillespie do well at Goldington Road and come back to get game time with Saints as a result.
"Bedford have assembled a really competitive squad for this season with some experienced players, so our guys will have a challenging season competing with them, but it's an invaluable learning experience too."
