Northampton Saints have agreed a three-year partnership with a university to support its men's and women's rugby programmes.

The club's community team will deliver coaching sessions, matchday support and a structured plan based on the Saints' style of rugby at the University of Essex over the next three academic years.

Saints already work with educational institutions, including Moulton College near Northampton and Philip Morant School and College in Colchester.

Jonny Lowdell, head of sport operations at the University of Essex, said the partnership meant it could "stay involved in the wider rugby community".

Both organisations want to help players improve their skills and encourage more people to continue playing rugby across the eastern counties.

They will also look at offering scholarships and making rugby a "focus sport" at the University of Essex.

Ben Lawrence, head of community at Northampton Saints, said he was "delighted".

"Our experience working with educational institutions means we can support the university's rugby programmes and contribute to their culture and quality."

The University of Essex already works closely with the professional Essex Rebels basketball and volleyball teams, who play their home matches at the Colchester campus

It also helps elite athletes, including Commonwealth Games bronze medallists Emily and Abigail Roper, balance their sport and exercise science degrees with competing at international level.