The Northampton Saints 7s Series reached a thrilling conclusion on the hallowed turf of cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens – and hopes are high for even more success in 2026 following the release of next year’s leg dates.
A dozen teams descended on the home of Northampton Saints recently to battle it out for the Under-13s team trophy, in what was the last of 11 festival legs across five age groups of school 7s rugby.
A third of the 60 schools that entered the Under-13s series were state schools, with five making it to the final’s day. Woodlands School from Essex and Shenley Brook End School from Milton Keynes were the pick of the bunch, entertaining the spectators with a back-and-forth match with brilliant skill and determination.
Ultimately, it was Woodlands School who took the trophy with an impressive 25-10 victory.
“To put this win into perspective, we are a high Pupil Premium Grant and Free School Meals background, including some of the boys involved,” said Woodlands School teacher Joe Heavey.
”Only two pupils had played rugby before joining us in Year 7. Within the space of 18 months, they’ve not only learned the game but got given an opportunity of a lifetime. They’ve completed rugby now!
“We watched the story back of them running out for the final and they had a gleaming smile from ear to ear.”
Woodlands School teacher Joe Heavey
“Our parent/carers who did make the journey were so complimentary of everything! Then to add they have professional photos to cherish the moments too!
“As a member of staff, it was probably my favourite working day and I've been at the school for the best part of eight years! It was perfect.”
This year has been another step forward in growing the 7s Series programme across Northampton Saints’ regions, and has seen a growth in teams entered and players competing from Under-13s to Under-18s.
Hopes are now high that next year’s edition can prove to be even bigger and better, with the dates for the 2026 Series now locked in.
2026 Northampton Saints 7s Series
U13s Boys
- Suffolk – Royal Hospital School – Wednesday 28 January
- Buckinghamshire - Stowe School – Wednesday 4 February
- Bedfordshire - Bedford Athletic RFC – Wednesday 11 March
- Northamptonshire - Northampton Old Scouts RFC – Wednesday 11 February
- Cambridgeshire - The Perse School – Wednesday 25 February
U15s Boys
- Cambridge Rugby Club – Tuesday 3 March
U18s Boys
- Oundle School – Tuesday 3 February
U16s & U18s Girls
- Oundle School – Wednesday 4 March
U13s Finals Day
- cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens – Date TBC subject to Prem Fixture release
To support the sustainability of the programme, there is a small charge for entry to the festivals. This is a one-off charge and covers your school’s entry to all age groups, invoiced in the month prior to the first festival date. It will also grant your staff a voucher for tea and coffee on the day of the event.
The entry fee for this season’s Northampton Saints 7s Series is £100 + VAT.
To book your school onto the 2026 Northampton Saints 7s Series or for more information, please email: [email protected]
