Northampton Saints has today announced more contract deals with 11 players agreeing to stay at Franklin’s Gardens.
James Craig has put pen to paper for a new first team contract. The second row forward has played 65 times since arriving at Franklin’s Gardens from Yorkshire Carnegie, and at 28 years of age is coming into his prime in the position.
“We’re very happy that James has agreed to sign a new contract,” said director of rugby Jim Mallinder. “He’s a talented player with a good rugby brain and has played well this season.”
A number of Senior Academy players have also agreed new deals.
Half-backs Alex Mitchell and James Grayson both helped England Under-20 win the 2017 Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slam, while James Fish (hooker), Alex Moon (second row) and Devante Onojaife (number eight) have all experienced first team rugby in 2016/17.
Ehren Painter (prop), Toby Trinder (prop), Josh Peters (second row), Tom Emery (scrum-half) and George Furbank (full back) complete the players who are staying at Franklin’s Gardens.
Academy manager Dusty Hare said that the 10 players have the potential to have good careers.
“All of the players have a lot of talent and are committed to succeed,” he said. “We’ve been impressed by how much they have improved in a short period of time both in training and playing at other clubs on loan, but it’s important that they are given the space to learn even more.
“There can be a lot of expectation on young players, but all of our Senior Academy youngsters have their careers in front of them and we’re looking forward to seeing them develop here at Franklin’s Gardens.”
