WORCESTER Warriors academy duo Jack Singleton and Sam Ripper-Smith have been shining in New Zealand rugby this summer for South Island club Saracens.

The duo gained representative honours and helped Saracens lift the North Canterbury Division One final for the first time.

Hooker Singleton made the North Canterbury and Canterbury Country Senior representative squads, while Ripper- Smith was picked for North Canterbury and the Canterbury Country Colts.

Singleton was also taken to Australia as part of the North Canterbury squad and played an important role in a Southbridge Challenge match against Ellesmere.

Saracens head coach Nigel Smith said: “Jack and Sam were accepted into the squad very quickly and demonstrated their commitment to the team.”

The start of the season didn’t go as planned for the side, as they slipped to five defeats in their first five games.

But Saracens soon bounced back with boss Smith hailing the leadership of Warriors academy hooker Singleton.

Coach Smith said: “While our first five games didn’t go as planned, it presented some great opportunities for all players to demonstrate their leadership. Jack was one of the guys to actually step up under pressure and asked the rest of the team to match his intensity. The team quickly learned to listen to him as he walked the talk.”

Saracens won their next 10 matches with Singleton and Ripper-Smith picking up the game-plan.

“Jack and Sam both secured their playing positions at different times,” said Smith.

“Sam’s strong defence saw him elevated to the starting team, while Jack’s throwing and dynamic running secured his position, which once established, he did not relinquish.”

Singleton was also given the task of teaching 18-year-old flanker Slade Day to play like a hooker.

Coach Smith said: “Sam played well, making some good runs and big hits in defence while Jack was at his usual high standard.”