Kennedy says the coaches worked them hard at the London Irish academy (Getty Images)

Topsy Ojo, David Paice and Delon Armitage are all in the team - fellow academy graduates with Kennedy.

"We�ve put a lot of emphasis on our academy and have done for years," Kennedy told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"It's brilliant to see everyone doing so well at London Irish and also getting recognition with the Saxons.

"We all had breakfast together so we're getting a bit of abuse for being a clique, but we don't really mind about that!"

Kennedy also highlighted the role played by Toby Booth, now the forwards coach at Irish.

Delon Armitage, one of five academy graduates to be involved with the Saxons this season.

"Toby was in charge of the academy when I was there.

"It was hard work - a lot harder work than once you graduate through to the senior squad.

"The coaches drill the boys very well, getting them ready for this sort of rugby."

Shane Geraghty is another product of the London Irish academy.

He put in a man-of-the-match performance for the Saxons against Ireland A last week, earning himself a call-up to the senior squad.

Kennedy said this provided the whole squad with a boost.

"I know they're very closely linked with Graham Rowntree coaching us and then going off with the senior squad as well.

"So we know that we're one injury or one very good performance away and that's good to know."