Hutchinson signs on again with Northampton Saints

With 11 seasons already under his belt at Northampton Saints, Scotland international Rory Hutchinson has signed on again with the men in Black, Green and Gold.

The talented centre graduated from Saints’ Academy system to make his senior debut for the Club in 2015, and has since gone on to make 166 appearances so far for Saints, scoring some 236 points (including 34 tries) along the way.

Saints’ current longest-serving player is enjoying a standout season, with Hutchinson already racking up 14 appearances, two tries and the cinch Player of the Month award for September.

Northampton’s Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, is delighted the 28-year-old has opted to remain at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

“Rory has got the oldest Saints number, he’s been here the longest, and is one of our most-experienced players,” he said. “But I think in the same breath, he’s also playing the best rugby of his career so far.

“The impact Lee Radford (defence coach) and his defensive system has had on Hutch has been really marked, and I think his defensive ability has come on leaps and bounds over the last 18 months.

“Rory’s a big part of what we’re trying to do at the Club, and I’ve been delighted to see him back in the mix for Scotland. It speaks volumes about his character that he’s kept his head down and worked hard to be rewarded with that international recognition.

“He was frustrated with not playing a bigger role during the second half of last season, and while nothing ever goes your way entirely, the way he carried himself through that and the start of this season to cement his place in the team is a huge testament to him. We’re delighted to keep a character like Rory in the group.”

Hutchinson – who has nine Scotland caps to his name so far – was born in Cambridge and represented Cambridgeshire, Eastern Counties and the Scottish Exiles while attending Felsted School in North Essex and playing for Shelford RFC.

The centre announced himself onto the senior stage in style during his first start for Saints, scoring a try on his Gallagher Premiership debut against Exeter Chiefs which won the Club’s Try of the Season award in 2016/17.

Hutchinson became a first-team regular for Saints during the 2018/19 season under Chris Boyd, making 17 appearances throughout the campaign as Northampton reached the Premiership semi-finals and lifted the Premiership Rugby Cup – while also being voted Saints’ Breakthrough Player of the Year and nominated for the Premiership’s Discovery of the Season award.

Hutchinson brought up a century of Northampton appearances against Leicester Tigers during the 2021/22 season, before reaching the 150 milestone against Newcastle Falcons last term.

His Scotland debut came in 2019 against France, and Hutchinson scored twice on his first international start against Georgia. He toured Argentina with his country in the summer of 2022, and returned to the international fold in November as he started Scotland’s Autumn Nations clash against Portugal.

Hutchinson said: “Northampton has been my home for the last 11 years, and I’m thrilled to be keeping it that way.

“I’m really enjoying my rugby this season; I feel like I'm back to where I was a few years ago with my form. I’m grateful especially to Sam [Vesty] and Radders [Lee Radford] – both have helped me to improve my game a huge amount. When you look back, you really appreciate what they do, what they give to the players and to our game.

“While we’re not happy with where we are in the table currently, we’re fully confident that we will keep getting better and push up the standings before the end of the season.

“There’s a core of players in this team that make the group special – we’ve got some real talent, and when we click, we’re dangerous and can push any team. Getting to play with players who are that talented and are also your best mates is a privilege, and I can’t wait to make more memories here in Northampton.”