Ipswich Rugby Club duo Clive Bell and Chris Blom have been named as Support Coaches for the Northampton Saints Elite Player Development Group which feeds the Premiership club’s Academy.

The Elite Player Development Groups identify and develop players in the Under-14, 15 and 16 age groups and are based in two centres, one of which is at Stowmarket.

Forwards coach Bell and Blom, who is a player for the team, attended a coaching day at Franklin’s Garden on Saturday, which was run by Saints’ head coach Jim Mallinder and forwards coach Dorian West, among others.

“I am thrilled to be appointed as a support coach within the Elite Player Development group for Northampton Saints,” said Blom, who skippered Ipswich to the London 2 title last season.

“It’s a great opportunity for young talented rugby players in this area to receive specialist coaching and exposure which could see them playing for Northampton Saints 1st XV or even England representative rugby.

“I am looking forward to working with Saints coaches and improving my own skills and experience to take my coaching to the next level.”