Jamie Elliott became the latest member of an elite group this weekend, namely the Saints centurions.
After being called into the starting lineup at late notice for the European Rugby Champions Cup clash with Racing-92, Elliott was then given the honour of leading the team out in front of a 15,000-plus Franklin’s Gardens crowd, which gave him a rapturous reception.
And while he did not get on the scoresheet, there were plenty of smiles on the face of the Senior Academy graduate when he reflected on his time in black, green and gold with SaintsTV.
“This is my sixth year here, I’m only 23, so what more could you want?” he said. “I can’t say that I ever imagined I’d reach this milestone at such a young age, but Mikey Haywood’s done it before, so I didn’t see why not.
“It’s great to have grown up with guys like that, but it was also nice to have the older guys pat me on the back, too. To lead the side out tonight was a massive lift for me.”
Elliott, who joined the Saints straight from Bedford School, cited the European wins over Ulster and Leinster - in which he scored a memorable end-to-end try - and the 2014 Aviva Premiership and Challenge Cup double among his highlights, but he also remembers fondly his first Academy housemates.
“Coming out of school and having to look after myself is a good memory, living with Sam Farmer and Anders Mogensen,” he added. “We got told off a few times! But that’s changed now and I think I’ve definitely matured.”
The full interview with the winger is available at www.youtube.com/TheSaintsTV
