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Four changes for Saints Under-18s ahead of festive clash with Yorkshire

Academy coach Will Parkin has made four changes to his starting line-up ahead of Northampton Saints Under-18s clash with Yorkshire Carnegie on Thursday (23 December, kick-off: 2pm). 

After starting their season on fine form as they toppled East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers 36-22 on opening day, Saints now return to Bedford Athletic to host Yorkshire in their final fixture of 2021. 

And Northampton name a completely unchanged back three for the clash, with Jody Devine continuing at fullback and Frankie Sleightholme and Ethan Thorne stay on outside him on the wings. 

One of last week’s five try-scorers Toby Cousins retains his spot in the centres alongside Archie Kean, while Saints name a new-look pairing in the half-back berths – with Harry Hall and Toby Thame coming into the starting XV against Yorkshire.

Callum Smyth is the only change in Northampton’s front row, with Craig Wright and Nicholas Tarr continuing alongside the loosehead prop, while Aiden Kabi comes into the engine room to partner Carn Richards-Farr at lock. And Saints also remain unchanged in the back row as George Lavender, Ted Reid and captain George Patten completing the forward pack once more. 

Meanwhile Will Baker, Keon Sylvester and Tommy Taylor are set to make their U18 league debuts from the bench should they enter the action at Putnoe Woods.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS U18s vs YORKSHIRE CARNEGIE U18s
Premiership Rugby Under-18 Academy League
Thursday 23 December 2021
Bedford Athletic
Kick-off: 2pm

15 Jody Devine
14 Ethan Thorne
13 Toby Cousins
12 Archie Kean
11 Frankie Sleightholme
10 Toby Thame
9 Harry Hall

1 Callum Smyth
2 Craig Wright
3 Nicholas Tarr
4 Aiden Kabi
5 Carn Richards-Farr
6 George Lavender
7 Ted Reid
8 George Patten (c)

Replacements:
16 Will Baker
17 Sam Ferrari
18 Dave Bennett
19 Levi Wilson
20 Keon Sylvester
21 Archie McParland
22 Tommy Taylor
23 Ewan Baker

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