Kenny Logan urges winger turned back-row son to ‘express himself’ on club debut and discusses big Scotland or England decision
Reuben Logan will make his first start for Northampton Saints this weekend.
Former Scotland winger Kenny Logan won 70 Test caps during a distinguished playing career, but this weekend is his son’s turn to take centre stage.
Reuben Logan, a 6ft 5in back-rower, will make his first senior start for Premiership champions Northampton in their Premiership Rugby Cup encounter at home to Nottingham on Saturday.
It will be a special moment for the 19-year-old and his family, with dad Kenny and television presenter mum Gabby having supported him every step of the way on his rugby journey.
Talented family
Reuben’s twin sister Lois is an up-and-coming showjumper and, after studying at the Wasps RFC academy and donning the shirt of his father’s former side, the forward signed for Northampton in March 2023.
That year he made his international debut for the England U18 squad and this season he has been included in the U20s squad.
The former Berkhamsted School pupil made his first appearance in Black, Green and Gold during Saints’ 55-5 win against Cambridge in the Premiership Rugby Cup last September.
The teenager has impressed during a loan spell at Bedford Blues, scoring two tries and earning man of the match honours in one standout performance.
This weekend, though, will be his first senior start for Saints and his father told Planet Rugby: “I just want Reuben to enjoy his journey.
“He starts for Northampton this weekend for the first time rather than coming off the bench.
“Rugby is a great sport to be a part of and he’s got a good opportunity at a fantastic club.
“He’s in the England U20s squad and enjoying it is the key thing at his age.
“I always say to Reuben ‘just go and express yourself’.
“It’s hard for these young lads nowadays with social media and everything getting tracked – it’s certainly a different world to when I played.
“But like I say, he’s at a really good rugby club in Northampton.”
Last season saw the Saints win their first Premiership title since 2014 after they held off a fierce fightback from 14-man Bath to edge to a rollercoaster 25-21 victory at Twickenham.
Director of rugby Phil Dowson has impressed in the Franklin’s Gardens hot-seat while former Hull FC player Lee Radford – highly respected in rugby league circles – has also earned many plaudits.
“Reuben enjoys working with Lee Radford, who has been a fantastic asset for Northampton,” added 52-year-old Logan.
“They’ve got a great director of rugby and a great coaching staff.
“They’re playing really well at home and are defending champions with a lot of good players – and young players too.
“Northampton really do push their Academy players which gives Reuben a chance.
“This weekend’s match will be a proud moment for the family and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Logan Jnr towers about his father and is carving out a fine reputation as a hugely promising number eight.
His father continued: “Reuben was actually a winger two years ago and last year was his only full season in the back-row.
“He’s having to learn a lot of lineouts and has gone from a winger to a number eight.
“He’s a big lad at 6ft 5in and he’s enjoying it.
Slow burner
“He’s maybe a bit of a slow burner but he’ll get there hopefully.”
Logan junior trained with Scotland at U17s level but wore the rose during last year’s U18s Six Nations Festival and is a member of England’s wider squad for the ongoing U20s campaign.
“When he was at school, the logistics of him travelling up to Scotland weren’t easy,” says Kenny.
“His mates were all playing for England and he has got options in the future but at the moment he’s very much playing for England, which is not easy for a Scotsman!
“The most important thing for me is for him to enjoy it.
“It’s not my decision – whatever decision he makes, I back it and I’m not going to get in an arm wrestle with Reuben because he’ll win!”