Dowson hails Saints' 'strong connection' with national champions NSB

And the black, green and gold boss has been hugely impressed with the work that is being done at the all-conquering state school.

NSB claimed glory at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Thursday as they beat Epsom College 36-20 to win the Under-18 Continental Tyres Cup.

NSB had already been crowned the best rugby school in England this season, finishing top in the SOCS Daily Mail Trophy, a merit-table competition played during the autumn term by some of the biggest senior schools in the country, many of which are private, such as Sedbergh and Wellington College.

And now they have completed the league and cup double thanks to a superb showing in the national showpiece.

Saints Under-18s wing George Cooper scored twice and was named man of the match, while Saints Under-18s back row forward Jack Lewis skippered the NSB team and scored late on.

After their win, the NSB players celebrated with their travelling fans, who were singing 'Shoe Army' before, during and after the match, similar to Saints supporters at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens on matchdays.

The connection between NSB and Saints is extremely evident, and it is something Dowson is delighted with.

“I live on Ardington Road, which is a stone's throw from NSB, so I know it really well and I've got so much respect for the school,” Dowson said.

“Over the years it's provided so many good players for the Saints, its academic record is incredible and the education it provides for those boys and girls is standout.

“And they're obviously showing on the rugby field as well the quality of the coaching they're getting and the opportunity they're getting.

“It's not just this year that they've provided so many players, like Jack Lewis, it's been over a period of time and we're delighted for them.

“We were excited about seeing how they went this week and they had our full support.

“Sam (Vesty) has been handing out shirts for various occasions and obviously Paul Shields (Saints’ head of recruitment) has his son (fly-half Fin Shields) who has been playing in those games so it's very close to us.

“We did a pre-season there three or four years ago so that connection is really strong and we really, really admire the school as a whole, not just in the rugby department.”

Lewis is one of the biggest talents currently in the Saints Academy, and he showed his class on the big stage for NSB on Thursday as he delivered a huge performance for his school.

The 17-year-old was Saints' player of the month for February, having broken into the first team and delivered some eye-catching displays in the PREM Rugby Cup.

Saints head of Academy Mark Hopley went to NSB to present Lewis with his player of the month award in front of his fellow pupils.

And Dowson said: “I think everybody in the school voted more than once for Jack, which is great!

“Jack, as a person, is very confident, aggressive and capable. It speaks volumes about him stepping in and starting games for us at 17. He's one of the youngest players to have done it, and he played really well. He was physical, he got his job right and he was excellent.

“I'm delighted for Jack, but also the ability of the Academy to give players direction and confidence in terms of how they think about the game, how they prepare for the game and the physical condition someone like Jack is in.

“It speaks volumes about what Mark Hopley and his team are doing.

“Jack as an individual is hugely impressive and he's well worth a chat because he's very good and smart.

“It's also about what Mark Hopley and the Academy is doing with NSB and other schools in our region.”