Hartley (see below), who can also play at loosehead, and Rae, who can also play in the back-row, both played for Worcester’s Zurich A League side last year with the latter also filling in for Pat Sanderson in the first team. Both are part of the RFU National Academy.

Academy director James Sinclair said: “Both players have demonstrated the quality that we are looking for in our young players with them both being physical and uncompromising in their approach to the game. They have showed the desire to build a career with the Saints and will also bring excellent leadership qualities to the club."