As a number of Academy developed players such as David Paice, Delon Armitage and Topsy Ojo make the headlines, the fifth season of the Academy starting in July welcomes some new recruits. Starting full time alongside Shane Geraghty, Dominic Shabbo, Matthew Banahan and Tom Standfield are a talented group who have all been playing for the 'A' team on their route to selection for their next rung up the ladder.
This story introduces the young players who will hopefully feature alongside those already mentioned soon.
Charlie Gower (Centre)
Charlie joins the Club via the Junior Academy (Gold) and Wellington College. He has represented the 'A' team throughout the season and is a strong and elusive runner who has an excellent pass off both hands and can kick with either foot. Charlie plays at outside centre, but is also adaptable as a wing.
Matthew Humphries (Centre)<1r>
Matt comes in through the Junior Academy (Gold) system and Churchers School. He is a strong runner and has very good footwork. Matt has played in the 'A' team throughout the season and has represented England Academies in a number of fixtures throughout the season. Matt plays at inside centre and can also play on the wing and at outside centre.
Tom Parker (Scrum Half)
Tom arrives at the club from a very successful Millfield School side. Tom is a very quick and elusive runner with a great pass and good decision making skills. An excellent sevens player, Tom received the Player of the Tournament at the Rosslyn Park School Sevens where Millfield won the Open Festival.
Alex Corbisiero (Prop)
Alex is a product of the Junior Academy (Gold) and the American School, Cobham. Alex is dual qualified and has represented USA as well as currently being in the England U18 Squad. A strong powerful runner Alex has progressed quickly and is a raw athlete who is willing to learn and is constantly improving.
Nick Canty (Wing)<2r>
Nick has been part of the Junior Academy (Gold) and Whitgift School. Nick is currently part of the England U18 squad for the second year and has also represented the 'A' team throughout the season. Nick is a quick strong runner with good handling skills.
Matt Donnelly (Back Row)
Matt is a product of Canford School in Dorset as well being part of the Junior Academy (Gold). Matt has played at 'A' team level this season as well as representing England Academies versus France U18 & U19. His dedication and commitment throughout the season have been exceptional and as a result Matt is constantly improving his game.
Charles Gardiner (Lock)
Charles has been within the Academy system for three years and is in his second year of representing England U18. A Hampshire boy, Charles is a product of Peter Symonds College, and is a big powerful athlete and good lineout forward.