Northampton Saints Foundation is delighted to announce Northampton Saints players Emmanuel Iyogun and Rory Hutchinson as its Playing Ambassadors for the 2026/27 season.
Both Emmanuel and Rory already have strong connections with the Foundation and have seen first-hand the impact its programmes have on young people and adults across our communities.
As Playing Ambassadors, the pair will help champion the Foundation’s work throughout the season, using their profiles and experiences to raise awareness of the charity and support participants across its programmes.
Emmanuel Iyogun
Emmanuel has been involved with the Foundation’s work for several years and has developed a particularly strong connection with our Employability and Skills programmes.
Through visits and sessions with participants, Emmanuel has given his time to speak openly with young people about his own experiences, the importance of resilience and developing confidence, and the skills needed to take positive steps towards education, training and employment.
His continued involvement has enabled him to build a genuine understanding of the challenges some of our participants face and the role the Foundation can play in helping them realise their potential.
Emmanuel said:
“I’ve really enjoyed being involved with the Foundation over the last few years and getting to know some of the young people on the Employability and Skills programmes.
“It’s great to see the work that goes on away from the rugby pitch and the difference the Foundation team makes. I’m really proud to become a Playing Ambassador and I’m looking forward to getting even more involved this season.”
Rory Hutchinson
Rory has also supported the Foundation’s work beyond DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, including attending our Saints Inside prison programme.
Saints Inside uses the values and power of sport to engage people within the prison system, helping participants develop skills, confidence and positive behaviours to support their rehabilitation and future opportunities.
Rory’s visit gave him the opportunity to meet participants, experience the programme first-hand and see how the Northampton Saints badge can help the Foundation build relationships and create meaningful change in very different environments.
Rory said:
“Visiting the prison programme was a really powerful experience. It gave me a much better understanding of the reach of the Foundation and the different ways the team uses the Saints name and rugby to engage people.
“I’m delighted to become a Playing Ambassador and I’m looking forward to supporting the Foundation and its participants throughout the season.”
Northampton Saints Foundation CEO Jordan Letts said the existing relationships both players have with the charity made them natural choices for the roles.
“We’re incredibly pleased to welcome Emmanuel and Rory as our Playing Ambassadors for the 2026/27 season.
“What is particularly important to us is that both already understand our work. Emmanuel has supported our Employability and Skills students for a number of years, while Rory has taken the time to visit and engage with our work within prisons.
“Our Playing Ambassadors can play an important role in bringing our work to life. The impact of a Saints player walking into a session, taking an interest in somebody’s story and sharing their own experiences should never be underestimated.
“Emmanuel and Rory have both shown a genuine interest in the people we support, and we’re excited to work with them even more closely this season.”
Northampton Saints Foundation uses the power and values of Northampton Saints and rugby to inspire, support and educate people across Northamptonshire and beyond.
Throughout the 2026/27 season, Emmanuel and Rory will support Foundation activities, meet participants and help raise awareness of the programmes and opportunities available through the charity.