Rochford Hundred Rugby Club have established an Academy in conjunction with the RFU and Saracens to create a pathway for the development of Under 17 and Under 18 players into senior rugby.

Last night's launched was attended by club officials, players, parents and Ed Clark, Head of Rugby Development at Saracens.

Rochford's First Team Captain Matthew Stewart also announced that Ben Parsons had been selected as the Academy captain for the season.

The Academy will follow the same coaching regime as the senior players under the First Team Coaches Michael Guess and Chris Garstin to ensure continuity and the seamless transition from youth to senior rugby at Rochford.