Northampton Saints has a proud tradition of developing homegrown rugby players.

Our mission is to be the best development Club in England, with a mandate to provide in excess of 50% homegrown players in the senior Saints squad, year after year.

Throughout the Academy pathway, we insist that players prioritise their academic and off-field development – we believe all players should be well-rounded individuals and able to excel both on the field and away from rugby.

The world’s leading Rugby Development Programme

Northampton Saints’ Academy system is one of the most prestigious and successful development pathways in English rugby, renowned for producing top-tier talent who go on to represent both club and country. 

With a proud tradition of developing homegrown players, the Academy plays a vital role in the long-term success of Northampton Saints across domestic and European competitions.

Our mission is to develop players of strong character through an outstanding pathway system – one that is built on elite coaching, strong leadership, state-of-the-art faciltiies and exceptional relationships with our stakeholders. 

We prioritise not only athletic excellence, but also personal growth, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and life skills. We believe in developing well-rounded individuals who can thrive both on and off the field.

Saints’ Academy is mandated to ensure that more than 50% of the senior squad is made up of homegrown talent, year after year – a goal we consistently achieve. Our long-term vision is to be recognised as the world’s leading rugby player development programme.

As one of 11 regional academies, partially funded by the Rugby Football Union and PREM Rugby, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of elite players. 

We have produced a host of former and current international stars, including the likes of Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Sleightholme, George Furbank, Alex Coles, and Henry Pollock – a testament to our programme’s continued success in shaping the future of English rugby.

Pathway Structure

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Foundation Phase (Under-15 to Under-16)

The Foundation Stage serves as the initial entry point into our Academy pathway. Players are identified through nominations by regional clubs and schools and subsequently assessed through a structured talent identification process.

The programme focuses on developing the core skills of the game, allowing the players to use the Saints DNA (technically and tactically). Training sessions are delivered across our five regional centres, providing consistent and accessible development opportunities.

Players at the Under-15 and Under-16 levels participate in inter-centre festivals, designed to develop game understanding and showcase progression. 

At the conclusion of the Under-16 programme, selected players will advance to compete in structured fixtures against other regional Academies, marking a key step towards the Development Phase of the pathway programme.

Development Phase (Under-17 to Under-18)

At the conclusion of the Foundation Phase, selected players progress into the Development Phase – forming two regional Under-17 hubs based at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens and Colchester Rugby Club. 

This stage places increased emphasis on both individual skill refinement and team development, with weekly training sessions designed to prepare players for the demands of competitive rugby. Under-17 fixtures run alongside the Under-18 schedule, offering valuable exposure to game environments.

The Under-18 squad trains as a single, centrally-managed group at Bedford Athletic Rugby Club. From August to February, players compete in the PREM Next Gen Academy League; a high-performance competition that mirrors the standards and intensity of the professional game.

High-potential individuals identified during this phase may be awarded England Academy Player (EAP) status. These players receive enhanced, holistic support tailored to their development needs. This includes outreach to their schools and other education providers, as well as access to targeted strength and conditioning programmes, detailed game analysis, and Individual Development Plan (IDP) skill sessions.

At the conclusion of the Under-18 playing programme, players will either be released from the Academy, or offered their first professional contract.

Confirmation Phase (Under-19 to Under-21)

The Confirmation Phase marks the final stage of the Academy pathway, and supports the critical transition from age-grade rugby into the adult professional environment. Players in this stage are fully integrated into the senior Northampton Saints squad, gaining day-to-day exposure to the demands and culture of elite-level rugby.

As part of their development, players are provided with competitive senior playing opportunities through dual-registration with National League clubs or via our strategic partnership with Championship side Bedford Blues. These experiences are tailored to accelerate learning, resilience, and readiness for professional competition.

In addition, selected players may be given the opportunity to compete for Saints in the Premiership Rugby Cup – a vital development platform offering exposure to top-tier competition, ahead of potential inclusion in Gallagher PREM fixtures.

This phase is designed to confirm a player's readiness for a long-term career in professional rugby, ensuring they are equipped both physically and mentally to thrive at the highest level.

Our Region

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Academy Partner Schools

Northampton Saints Academy is proud to partner with Moulton College and Impington Village College, two outstanding state school institutions that play a vital role in expanding access to elite rugby development.

These partnerships are designed to ensure that talented young players from non-fee-paying schools have a clear and supported route into professional rugby. By aligning with Moulton and Impington, Saints are strengthening their commitment to inclusivity and regional representation across the Academy pathway.

Moulton College, a long-standing contributor to Saints’ talent pipeline, also competes in the ACE League – the highest level of college rugby in England. This gives students access to a professional-style training environment, and fixtures against the best young players in the country. The programme is designed to support players who may not attend traditional rugby-playing schools, providing daily coaching, competitive fixtures, and opportunities to train alongside Academy players.

Impington Village College, located in Cambridgeshire, offers a Rugby Scholarship Programme within its internationally recognised Sixth Form, Impington International College. This partnership extends Saints’ reach into the eastern part of their catchment area, providing high-quality coaching and academic support for aspiring players.

Together, these partnerships reflect Saints’ ambition to grow the game at grassroots level, ensuring that every aspiring player – regardless of background – has the opportunity to reach the highest level.