Warriors Academy duo Jack Singleton and Sam Ripper-Smith haven’t had much time off this summer.
The young pair have been continuing their rugby development Down Under in New Zealand with Saracens RFC.
And it’s been a prosperous experience for the young stars, who have excelled during their time with the South Island club.
Saracens Head Coach Nigel Smith said: “When they arrived, Jack and Sam were met by the whole team at the local bar.
“They were accepted into the squad very quickly which I believe is due to their pleasant and congenial attitude.
“They quickly demonstrated commitment to the team, enabling them to be engulfed in the traditions and cultures surrounded by the club.”
And although they were welcomed in by their new teammates, Coach Smith confirmed they had to earn their stripes.
He explained: “Both players had to work hard to earn their starting positions in our Division One team.
“Jack was competing against Mark Frampton, who had played over 100 times for the side, while Sam was up against a fast, highly-skilled flanker in Nathan Goodwin.
“But both were given opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.”
The start of the season didn’t go as planned for the side, as they slipped to five defeats in their first five games.
But they soon bounced back with boss Smith hailing the leadership of Warriors Academy hooker Singleton.
He revealed: “While our first five games didn’t go as planned, it presented some great opportunities for all players to demonstrate their leadership.
“Jack was one of the guys to actually step up under pressure and asked the rest of the team to match his intensity.
“The team quickly learned to listen to him as he walked the talk.”
Singleton quickly picked up the nickname ‘Thor’ as Coach Smith explained: “In one of his first games, he split two defenders and charged through as they attempted to gang-tackle him.
“That is when we first saw ‘Thor’ demonstrate his immense strength and skill.
“Also, every time Jack got the ball, everyone on the side-line would yell ‘Go England!’”
Saracens went on to win their next ten matches in a rich vein on form.
And Smith continued: “Our expansive game-plan asked for flankers and hookers to make an impact wider than a normal game, attempting to create a mismatch and allowing them to target space rather than the man.
“Jack and Sam picked up the plan very quickly and Jack in particular was able to make very positive impacts with his ball carries out wide.
“No centre or wing wants to see a guy like that charging at them!
“Jack and Sam secured their playing positions at different times. Sam’s strong defence and good jackal-poaching saw him elevated to the starting team, while Jack’s throwing and dynamic running secured his position, which once established, he did not relinquish.”
Singleton was also given the task of teaching 18-year-old flanker Slade Day how to play like a hooker.
And Coach Smith confirmed: “Jack has been a fantastic role model for him to follow.”
After 10 wins in a row, Saracens were pipped by two points in the 84th minute of their match by Ashley resulting in them losing the Robbie Deans Shield.
But after that game they rallied to improve their game and continued to win, with three more victories.
They then defeated a highly-rated Oxford team in the semi-finals of the North Canterbury competition.
And Smith added: “Both Sam and Jack were playing at the top of their abilities and Jack actually set-up Sam for a beautiful walk-in try.”
After winning the semi-final 31-19, Saracens marched into the final against Ashley – the only team to have beaten them in the previous 14 weeks.
For Saracens, a merger of the Southbrook and Rangiora clubs, it was the first time in their history they had made the North Canterbury Division One final, in which all players got to keep their jerseys embroidered: “2015 Grand Final, Vs Ashley, BROTHERS”.
And with the township of Rangiora behind them, the close-knit group fought to a 22-15 victory to win the trophy.
Coach Smith said: “It was hard work on my heart but thankfully we came out with the win.
“Sam played well, making some good runs and big hits in defence while Jack was at his usual high standard.”
While the Warriors Academy duo have been Down Under, they have caught the eye of many other teams.
And Smith said: “Jack made the North Canterbury and Canterbury Country Senior representative squads, while Sam made the North Canterbury and Canterbury Country Colts representative squads.
“Jack was taken to Australia as part of the North Canterbury squad and played an important part of the Southbridge Challenge match between Ellesmere and North Canterbury.
“Canterbury Rugby Union Colts were also keen on having Sam represent them.”
And the Saracens Head Coach praised his two young English stars for their efforts during a fine season for the club.
He said: “It has been a true pleasure to have Sam and Jack at Saracens.
“They have demonstrated hard work, a fantastic attitude and a desire to become better.
“I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked by opposition coaches about both players.
“We will miss them next season and would welcome them back at any time.
“Furthermore, I’d like to congratulate and thank Warriors Academy Manager Mark Hewitt for sending us his two chargers.”