Danny Marriott begins the first step on the road to become a professional rugby player with Northampton Saints next week.

By Kevin Redsull

Young Deal rugby player Danny Herriott begins a two-year scholarship with Guinness Premiership side Northampton Saints next week.

And the 16-year-old prop is hoping that joining Northampton will prove a major stepping stone in his bid to become a full-time professional.

Danny’s father David, a former Deal & Betteshanger youth team coach, said: "Northampton’s academy is widely recognised as being one of the best in the country and they have produced a lot of top players including Steve Thompson and Ben Cohen, who were in England’s World Cup winning team.

"Northampton have only taken on seven new boys for their academy this year and the fact that Danny is one of them is a great opportunity for him."

The former Castle Community College pupil began playing rugby when he was seven years old and has played for the Kent under-14, 15 and 16 teams.

Saracens had also offered Danny a place at their academy but his father added: "When Northampton said they wanted Danny he jumped at the chance because everything is so professional up there."

Apart from developing his rugby at Franklin’s Gardens, Danny will be studying for a BTEC sports diploma at the nearby Moulton College over the next two years.

He played for Northampton Academy in their 19-16 victory over Worcester earlier this month and has already been selected for the East Midlands U18 squad for this season.