'Big smiles and loads of physicality' expected as Saints take on Tigers

The black, green and gold will give plenty of youngsters a chance in the PREM Rugby Cup clash at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens (kick-off 3.05pm).

Saints currently sit fourth in Pool B, eight points behind leaders Tigers but just a point adrift of second.

And Jake Sharp, who has stepped into the role of head coach for the cup action, said: “This is our first opportunity to win a trophy this year.

"We've not looked at the tables because people approach this tournament differently. Some clubs have got really deep squads and numbers to play with. We've obviously had lots of success at the international level so we get stressed on that top level and it's about who's going to step into that space.

"But for us, we're always working on training hard, giving ourselves the opportunity to perform, and if we perform we've got a really good chance of doing good things.

"Having a derby game is a great chance for all of the lads to feel part of it. A lot of these lads have been playing in the Championship and National League 1 in their loan games and they finally get the chance to put on a Saints shirt and do what they dream of doing. Hopefully with that, you'll see big smiles on faces and loads of physicality.

"I'm excited that it's a big crowd this weekend and I'm excited they're going to get a chance to go and feel what that feels like in a derby game.

"We expect it to be as physical and as tough as any derby game we ever play, and can these lads cope? That's the question, that's what the fans want to see, that's what we want to see as a coaching group and that's what the players need to go to that next level that we're seeing on the pitch every Saturday to this point."

The Saints coaches having been showing the youngsters clips of where their career could take them in the build-up to this week’s game.

Sharp explained: “What's exciting is you can see what plaudits it can get you, what that success brings.

"We showed a slide of Dingers (Fraser Dingwall) playing the PRC five or six years ago and now what his journey has been through PREM and Europe to England.

"Ed Prowse hadn't played a lot of rugby and was playing in a European final last year.

"So who's that next person? Who's that next story? Is it on the international stage? Is it a 200-capper for Saints? And that's what is the exciting part of this journey.

"And also, can they build trust to be selected in that 23 that gets to step out every Saturday in the PREM and Europe because that's what they're all aiming to do.

"The more competition we've got for places, the better the whole environment is.”

While the cup games are a chance for the players to develop, they also help Saints’ young coaches to gain vital experience.

"I've been running the PRC block this year so I'll have that head coach role, I suppose,” Sharp said.

"But we're very lucky in that me and Sam (Vesty) work so closely together so the messages aren't changing, it's just who's delivering it.

"The strength of the environment in the coaching and playing group is authenticity so I'm not feeling like I'm a mouthpiece so Sam and it's my opportunity to lead in this way.

"Long term, that's what I'd love to do as well, and Sam's fully supported me in that space this week.

"Charlie Reed has stepped up from the Under-18s to help support me in the backs this week as well.

"We'll change who's running messages on so there's a development space for everyone in the environment, which is great.”

Sharp added: “I retired a while ago, seven or eight years ago, and in my head I can still play, but I really can't.

"Jim Henry has now been coaching Bedford for the past few years, I did it for two years and who's the next guy who's going to get that opportunity?

"Jim Henry is coaching here because Lee (Radford) is away with Scotland, Reece Marshall has stepped up from the Academy into coaching the senior group.

"We're all striving to be the best coaching version of ourselves we can be.

"What's really great about this environment is that you're allowed to be really authentic in the way you deliver that, which is a really nice spot to be in.”