The East Midlands Rugby Football Union held an U13 screening and assessment day for aspiring young players on Sunday 4h May at the Northampton Saints. The players were nominated by clubs and schools and those who are successful will move into the CB School of Rugby based at  Moulton College for the 2008-09 season. The ultimate goal for these young players would be being offered an opportunity to move into the RFU / Saints Academy at 16 years of age.

40 young players were put through their paces by selected East Midlands coaches with a series of skills drills and conditioned games. Handling, passing evasion and contact skills were tested under game type conditions. Each player received a comprehensive assessment of his abilities and suggestions for improvement.

While the players were being put through their paces Jeff Mapp Regional Development Manager talked to a group of around 70 parents about the talent identification process, the School of Rugby programme and some additions to the programme made possible through the Club and Coach award provided through Sport England.

The funding from the Club and Coach Award has enabled the Rugby Union to appoint a Regional Talent ID coach whose brief is to improve and develop coaches at club level and to work with players and coaches in the 5 School of Rugby centres in the region. Additions will include player education programme centred on nutrition. lifestyle issues, fitness and specialist coach input. Another exciting development will be the introduction of an on line diary to improve communication between players parents and coaches in the Schools of  Rugby.