Over the past few years the link between Northampton Saints and Moulton College has become ever closer, culminating in the College becoming an official partner of the Saints Academy as well as the first in England to receive the Rugby Football Union's Beacon College Award.
This partnership is also bearing fruit on the field. Several members of the Junior Saints Academy study at the College, including Charlie Sadler, Tom Nutley, Ben Nutley, Oliver Watson, Tom Holliday, Mike Haywood, Sam Collins, Karl Smith, Kenny Jones and Mike Hogan.
Sadler, Haywood and Collins have already played for the Wanderers while Sadler and Haywood represented the Midlands Under-18 at the Divisional Festival in January.
The JSA players also turn out for the College, contributing this year to what Moulton College's director of rugby Jon Phillips describes as the most successful season to date!
"Our 1st XV has had a string of successes over the past season including winning the British Colleges Sport (BCS) knockout cup, the county schools cup and the East Midlands BCS league," he said. "This success has been down to the hard work of the players and the support provided by the Saints Academy coaching staff."
In addition the team reached the quarter finals of the Daily Mail Cup and was runners-up in the AASE league (Northern Division).
"We have also had several members represent England Colleges, East Midlands U18 and the Junior Saints Academy. A number of the squad also represented the Wanderers in the Guinness 'A' League," said Jon. "In terms of rugby, it's really put Moulton College on the map and it has been rewarding to see the students develop."
"We are very proud of our links with Moulton College and the positive impact the programme is having both on and off the pitch," said Northampton Saints Academy manager Rob Hunter. "Moulton College has excellent facilities, great coaching and a team culture that JP and the lads should be very proud of. This was exemplified by the boys who have represented the college whilst playing for the Wanderers this season. We look forward to our continuing partnership and congratulate them all on an excellent season."
For more information about Moulton College visit www.moulton.ac.uk
The Saints Academy is sponsored by LIO. For more information visit www.logicalfrance.com
