Match Day Results: State of Origin Warm-Up Fixture — 14 March 2026

On Saturday 14 March, Elite Rugby Academy players from across our regional academies came together at New River Sports Complex for an internal fixture ahead of the State of Origin event on 30 May 2026.

With all five of ERA's currently open academy locations set to compete against one another at State of Origin, Saturday's fixture gave players and coaches alike valuable preparation ahead of what promises to be one of the most exciting days in the ERA calendar.

Results

• —U13 Boys — North / West 25 – 25 Kent (Draw)
• —U14 Boys — Kent 26 – 28 North
• —U15 Boys — MK / North 19 – 41 Kent
• —U17 Boys — North 15 – 40 Kent

On the Day

A Day of Elite Coaching

One of the defining features of ERA is the calibre of the coaching environments we provide — and Saturday was no exception. Players across all four age groups were coached by some of the most experienced and decorated coaches in the game.

U13 Boys were led by Sarah McKenna and Jemima Moss, both professional players with Saracens Women. McKenna is an England international and a coach within the U20 Red Roses Women's programme — a remarkable presence for our youngest players to learn from.

U14 Boys benefited from the expertise of Josh Barton, a former coach at Northampton Saints, alongside Nash Cohen, ERA's Programme Director, who continues to set the standard for what elite youth development looks like in England.

U15 Boys were coached by Bayley Campbell of Henley Ace and Jamaica Rugby, and Arturo Upali of Elite Rugby Academy and Finchley RFC — a combination of international experience and deep grassroots knowledge.

U17 Boys were in the hands of Sam Elrick and Gary Toothill, both Saracens PDG (Player Development Group) Coaches, bringing Premiership-level insight directly to our players.

"The standard of coaching at ERA is elite — and days like today show exactly why our players develop so fast. Every age group had coaches who have played or coached at the highest level. That's what the pathway demands."

— Nash Cohen, Founder & Director of Rugby, Elite Rugby Academy

Looking Ahead: State of Origin — 30 May 2026

On 30 May 2026, all five of ERA's open academy locations will compete against one another in the full State of Origin event — ERA's flagship inter-academy competition. Preparation days like Saturday are exactly how ERA builds the intensity and readiness that State of Origin demands.

State of Origin is one of the most anticipated days in the ERA year — a celebration of the talent, hard work and development happening across every corner of our programme. More details on the event will be released in the coming weeks.