The five-day course is rapidly becoming an important part of the Saints’ talent identification process, with Senior Academy and former England Under-18 lock Jordan Onojaife, England Under-17 player Tim Cardall and half-a-dozen of the Saints’ current England Under-16 divisional players having spent the week at Stowe during the summer holidays.
Since its founding in partnership with the Saints in 2005, the Chris Kokta Memorial Trust has established a strong track record of backing some of the most talented young players in England during the early stages of their development in the East Midlands.
Junior World Champions Tom Stephenson and Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi won Chris Kokta Memorial Trust Outstanding Achievement Awards during their time at Moulton College, while Aviva Premiership players Joe Gray (Harlequins) and James Cannon (London Wasps) both received support from the Trust during their time in the Saints Academy.
The five days at Stowe provide some of the biggest highlights in the year-long calendar of Monarch Rugby Academies, with the Saints first team squad descending en masse to pass on their tips and expertise. And as well as the rugby there are a wide range of other activities organised by the fully qualified coaches!
To earn their scholarship players need to compile the following:
- A 200-word summary as to why they deserve a place at Stowe
- A testimonial from a current school or club coach
- A showreel if available
Applications need to be submitted no later than Friday, May 30th, 2014, and addressed to: Ross Stewart, Northampton Saints, Franklin's Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG.
