St Helens Under 18s Academy will depart for Australia in the winter of 2026 for a three-week development tour, the club’s first since the Covid pandemic.
The 2026 Academy Saints will become the ninth group of young players to tour Australia since the initial trip to the southern hemisphere back in 2004.
It still has the same purpose as 20 years ago, namely to develop more young players to become stars of the future of St Helens.
Over the years these tours have helped Saints develop the likes of Jonny Lomax, Tommy Makinson, Mark Percival, Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Jack Welsby and Lewis Dodd.
Saints Under 18s will get the chance to train and live like full-time professional athletes while on tour, working in top-class facilities with club staff; who will get time to work with them, educate and develop them as players and as young men off the field.
Saints Academy will play three competitive games against NRL teams during the tour, with the customary major matchup against Penrith Panthers serving as the finale.
To assist pay for the trip over the other side of the globe with a group of more than 30 people and staff in tow, the club is asking for donations.Given that Saints Academy Tourists have progressed to play for the First Team, this investment was crucial to their growth.
According to a club statement: “Our community’s amazing support has made previous tours a huge success.
“Your contribution, no matter how small, to the campaign is tremendously appreciated. Your support for our upcoming tour will help our Club develop the next generation of St. Helens R.F.C. stars.
“Prizes will include attending an exclusive behind the scenes First Team captain’s run session, a signed shirt or a signed ball from the First Team, an exclusive tour on a matchday, plus more to be announced as the campaign rolls on.”
To support the campaign, Saints will hold a number of activities before the tour departs in the winter of 2026.You can discuss sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Saints Academy Tour by sending an email with your inquiries to sales@saintsrlfc.com.
Leave a Reply