Get ready for a thrilling weekend of rugby! Leicester Tigers' U17 and U18 squads are gearing up for a double-header clash against Saracens at the StoneX stadium. This is more than just a game; it's a showcase of future talent and a testament to the dedication of these young athletes.
This match marks the second outing of the 2026 season for these promising teams, following their previous encounters with Northampton Saints' academy sides just two weeks prior. The anticipation is building, and fans are eager to see what these young Tigers have in store.
Leading the charge, we have Ollie Myall and Henry Johnson, who will once again co-captain the U18 side, bringing their experience and leadership to the field. Meanwhile, Ben McMahon and Oliver Blinkhorn will be at the helm for the U17s, ready to inspire their team to victory.
Here are the full team sheets, complete with the schools these talented players represent:
U18 - 13:00 KO
- 15. Will Payton - Warwick School
- 14. Nathaniel Robinson - Bromsgrove School
- 13. Ollie Myall - Oxford College (cc)
- 12. Harrison Brooks - Stamford School
- 11. James Alcock - Loughborough College
- 10. Oscar Talbot - Rugby School
- 9. James Townsend - Warwick School
- 1. Kajetan Lewandowski - Loughborough College
- 2. Alex Catcheside - Loughborough College
- 3. Seva Batikora - Loughborough College
- 4. Fin Charles - Denstone College
- 5. Kwame Bekoe - Norwich School
- 6. Dylan Chessum - Loughborough College
- 7. Josh Poyser - Loughborough College
- 8. Henry Johnson - Oakham School
Replacements:
- 16. Oliver Robinson - Loughborough College
- 17. Bobby Campbell - Loughborough College
- 18. Ethan Rix - Norwich School
- 19. Zack Dodds - Loughborough College
- 20. Abdul Bah-Bah - Coventry College
- 21. Joe Henstock - Denstone College
- 22. Lochie Glackin - Denstone College
- 23. Tom Court - Loughborough College
- 24. Freddie Lomas - Millfield
U17 - 15:00 KO
- 15. Paddy McManus Shoebridge - Loughborough College
- 14. George Davies - Stamford School
- 13. Evan Benjamin - Loughborough College
- 12. Ben McMahon - Loughborough College
- 11. Sam McGuffin - Denstone College
- 10. Matthew Clatworthy - Oakham School
- 9. Tom Ratledge - Norwich School
- 1. Bailey Saunders - Loughborough College
- 2. Oliver Blinkhorn - Loughborough College
- 3. Joe Woods - Denstone College
- 4. Otto Stone - Oakham School
- 5. Ethan Rix - Norwich School
- 6. Mackinley Jones - Oakham School
- 7. Lwazi Nxara - Loughborough College
- 8. Ivan Boyd - Loughborough College
Replacements:
- 16. William Cohen - Stamford School
- 17. Ivan Krutnov - Oakham School
- 18. Charles Kinson - Rugby School
- 19. Tom Stuart-Jones - Loughborough College
- 20. Hariz Nyie - Loughborough College
- 21. Dom Chandler - Loughborough College
- 22. Jack McFarland - Coventry College
- 23. Rahm Butterworth - Loughborough College
- 24. Sam Wood - Loughborough College
- 25. Oliver Hutchinson - Loughborough College
- 26. Alex Tuiwai - Loughborough College
- 27. Isaac Darling - Loughborough College
It's worth noting the strong representation from Loughborough College, a hub for young rugby talent. This highlights the college's commitment to developing the next generation of players. But here's where it gets interesting: the spread of schools represented also tells a story of the diverse pathways these athletes are taking to reach the top.
And this is the part most people miss: the dedication and sacrifices these young players and their families make to pursue their passion. It's a testament to their commitment and the support systems around them.
What do you think? Are you excited to see these young talents in action? Which players are you most looking forward to watching? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
