ROCHFORD Hundred have launched a new rugby academy in a bid to bring more young players through the ranks.

Saracens’ head of rugby development Ed Clark was the guest special at the launch.

And academy coach Mike Guess believes the academy will be of huge benefit to the club.

“This is something we’ve been working towards for a while now and it’s great to see it coming to fruition because we want to stop players fading out when they reach 16 or 17,” said Guess.

“We needed to get a pathway in place between that age and the first team and that’s exactly what this academy is going to enable us to do.

“It means a smooth transition will now take place and I’m really excited about it all.”

Rochford will now have sides lining up in under 17 and under 18 age-groups and will take part in Essex League fixtures, as well as the Essex Cup and the National Under 18 Cup.

But the youngsters - who will be captained by Ben Parsons - will also be getting advice off the pitch.

“We’ll be looking at all aspects including nutrition and weights because it’s what they need to keep progressing in rugby,” said Guess.

“I think it’s important all clubs invest in their youth because you need it for the club to be sustainable and that’s exactly what we’re doing here.

“I’ll still be involved with the first team so when they make the step up I will know them and they will know me so that familiarisation can only be a good thing moving forward.”

The youngsters will train every Thursday night before the older age group make the step up to train with the first team from February.