Northampton Saints U18s Head Coach Charlie Reed is targeting an improved performance from his side this weekend as they return to PREM Rugby Academy Next Gen League action away at Harlequins.
The young Saints currently sit fourth in the standings following a defeat in Round 5 away to Newcastle Red Bulls.
However, after a two-week hiatus from competitive action, Saints travel to Gordon’s School in Surrey on Saturday (31 January) to take on a Quins side who sit second with four wins from six outings.
“Obviously, the Newcastle game wasn’t the result we wanted,” Reed said. “In terms of our intent and our effort, that was the main thing that I really questioned in the first half, which is quite uncharacteristic for how we want to perform.
“Harlequins are quite similar to us; they want to go find the best spaces and move the ball really well.
“They haven’t lost in 2026, so it’s a good test for our lads, but also a good chance to play against a similar style to us and see what we get from it.
Whilst Saints have only lost two fixtures so far this season, there are more things that Reed and the coaching group are looking to target as the run in to the PREM Next Gen Academy League finals draws closer.
He added: “There are things we consistently need to get better at; some of our decisions about whether to keep the ball alive, how to build a bit of pressure through some phases, and just make better decisions on when to move the game up the pitch.
“But that’s what the Academy is there for. It gives them a platform to learn these things, to see how we can go under a bit of pressure, in that moment.
“It’s more important for the lads to show what they’re capable of rather than just getting wins.
“We haven’t been able to consistently put together performances we’re satisfied with. So I think that’s the thing we’re going to chase, and if we get some results off the back of it, then that’s a bonus.”
With no Academy League action for any sides in the league last weekend, Saints played a friendly against Saracens at Colchester Rugby Club, giving the opportunity to rotate the squad which ultimately fell to a 24-47 defeat.
“The friendly against Saracens gave us an opportunity to have a good hit out, and some players an opportunity that they haven't had in previous weeks,” explained Reed.
“There’s things to work still in our attack, mainly around looking after the ball and making good decisions on when to move it and when not to. But things are never going to be perfect and we’re happy to embrace that. I just hope it comes together this week against a good Quins side.”