Senior Academy coach Mark Hopley says that his young players have a great opportunity to impress when they play in the finals of the Singha Premiership Rugby Sevens in Coventry on Sunday.
The Saints will travel to the Ricoh Arena where they will face Exeter Chiefs in the quarter finals, having beaten Saracens and Gloucester at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night.
“The finals of the Singha Sevens is a huge opportunity for the younger players to experience playing in front of so many spectators,” said Hopley.
“We have some really talented guys in our Academy and it gives them the experience of showcasing their talents at a top stadium like the Ricoh Arena and allows them to get a feel for what the big occasions are like.
Young players such as Tom Emery, Fraser Dingwall and Alex Rayment all played on Friday, and while Hopley says there are areas where improvements need to be made, he is confident that his players can make a real impression in Coventry.
“Our last game against Gloucester saw us come back from two tries down to win the match and I think that’s a real testament to the attitude of our young players and their determination to do well in this competition,” he added.
“Overall I was pleased with our performances on Friday, but there are obviously areas of our game that we will need to improve ahead of the finals on Sunday. We’ve got a young squad that’s got pace and skill and it will be good to see them play.”
Tickets for the Premiership Rugby 7s Series Final on Sunday, August 7th at the Ricoh Arena are now on sale at premiershiprugby.com/7s
