Northampton Saints can today announce that five young Saints are set to join the Club’s Senior Academy set-up ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Forwards Samson Ma’asi, Alex Coles and Joe Wallace have all signed full-time contracts after impressing as a part of Saints’ Junior Academy.

In the backs, Connor Tupai and Ollie Sleightholme are also set to join the Senior Academy ranks over the summer, with both following in the footsteps of their fathers – former Saints Paul Tupai and Jon Sleightholme.

Utility-back Connor Tupai, son of former Saint and Bedford Blues legend Paul, has impressed at fly-half and centre over his time in the junior set-up and also puts pen to paper.

And Ollie Sleightholme’s try-scoring ability quickly put him on the rugby map, with the young winger called up to Team England for the Rugby Sevens at the Commonwealth Youth Games last summer.

“It remains a dream of mine to pull on the Black, Green and Gold jersey for the first team here at Franklin’s Gardens, and I am delighted to have taken another step towards finally doing that,” said Sleightholme.

Tupai added: “We all know we still have a long way to go. I can’t speak for all the lads, but the opportunity to stay on and progress further with my boyhood club is massive for me.

 “The Academy set-up here is among the best in the country, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”