Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson has praised the club’s “valuable” partnership with Bedford Blues after an extension of their strategic deal was announced.

The agreement, which began in 2020, sees the Prem Rugby and Champ Rugby clubs co-operate on a number of fronts, including the sharing of players and coaches.

Henry Pollock, Tom Litchfield and George Hendy – members of the Saints side who won the Prem title last season – are among several players to have spent time at Bedford while progressing through Northampton’s pathway system.

“We love the relationship with Bedford and the way the partnership works,” said Dowson.

“More than ever, having seen the benefits it has delivered over the last six years, we know how valuable it is for both clubs.

“Giving our players the opportunity to experience Champ level rugby, within an environment where they are coached by both Saints and Bedford staff, is invaluable for our younger squad members.”

The announcement comes after Jim Henry was promoted to become Saints’ defence coach, having also fulfilled the role of defence and forwards coach for Mike Rayer’s side.

“The way Mike runs things is exactly how it should be,” Dowson added.

“Players don’t get selected for Bedford simply because they come from Saints; they earn their place on merit because Mike believes they deserve to be in the team.”

Saints said that the extension of the partnership would see coaches continue to gain experience in the second tier of English rugby through placements within Bedford’s coaching set-up.

Meanwhile, Bedford’s coaches will continue to benefit from regular professional development sessions with Saints staff at Franklin’s Gardens, while opportunities for joint training sessions between the clubs will also remain an integral part of the partnership.

“The sharing of ideas and the identity of both sides is clear to see,” said Rayer.

“We’re excited to see how we can go further with even more collaborative thinking and progression over the next few years.”

Bedford were beaten finalists in last season’s Champ play-off final having finished second in the regular season.