I understand that Saracens have developed very close ties and links with some of the top London schools including Harrow, from where they were able to recruit Itoje and Vunipola (albeit after the latter's time with Wasps as a result of Wasps connection with Mako). This involves not only the provision of training facilities but also a crossover of teachers being involved in training and taking those ideas back to the school. They are therefore tapping into the local talent not just through the local clubs but through schools imbued with a rugby bias.

I wonder whether Sale have forged direct links with the private schools within the NorthWest - there must be some fantastic talent in the likes of MGS, Arnold, Rossall and the like.