Haywood has been named in the starting line-up for the LV= Cup semi-final, and at just 23 years of age the Saints Academy graduate becomes the third player from Franklin’s Gardens to reach the milestone this season, following in the footsteps of Tom Wood and Samu Manoa.
A former Colchester RFC player, a veteran of an Under-21 Grand Slam and a Junior World Championship finalist, Haywood has also played in some of the Saints’ biggest matches in recent years, including starting the 2014 Aviva Premiership and European Challenge Cup finals.
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that Haywood is a quality player who deserves recognition for his achievement.
“Mike is an important player for us, both for his quality of performance and in how he has come into the first team,” he said. “He has graduated from our Academy system to become a regular fixture in our match day squads, and as one of the first players to come through the Eastern Counties he has blazed a trail that more and more talented youngsters are following.
“He may still be young, but he has earned his high number of appearances by being a consistently strong performer. His set piece is strong and he is a dynamic player in the loose. He also has experienced some of the biggest occasions in the club game, and deserves plenty of congratulations for reaching his century.”
Haywood, Manoa and Wood will all receive a special pair of cufflinks to commemorate their achievements at the Saints’ End of Season Awards, which will take over the main pitch in a special marquee on Monday, May 18th, 2015.
The evening will also see special awards presented to those players who have passed 50 and 200 appearances this season, along with the Supporters’ Player, Players’ Player and Young Player of the Season, as well as the scorer of the Try of the Season.
Places at the End of Season Awards are already at a premium, so email [email protected] to book your place now!
