Saints sign scrum-half Henry Taylor

Taylor, a lively No.9 who boasts superb ball distribution and a keen eye for a gap, began his career at Harlequins Academy before heading to Loughborough University to further his rugby education and pursue a degree in Fine Art.

His impressive performances in National One earned him a contract with Saracens, and after also completing a loan spell with Bedford Blues, Taylor is relishing the prospect of pulling on a Black, Green and Gold jersey next season.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join a Club like Northampton Saints,” he said.

“It’s clear that the side has made brilliant progress this season and they are playing a brand of rugby I have always loved. I’m sure that working with the likes of Chris Boyd and Sam Vesty will help me improve as a player.

“Saints’ set-up, with their training facilities and proudly cared for grass pitch, is an environment in which I look forward to training day in, day out.

“I know first-hand that Franklin’s Gardens is a formidable place to play – I’m looking forward to having that support behind me next year, and giving a good account of myself so I can push to reach my full potential.”

Taylor boasts international credentials after representing England under-20s back in 2014, making his debut during the Six Nations before being crowned a Junior World Champion later that year in a side that included current Northampton prop Paul Hill.

He arrives at Franklin’s Gardens hoping to challenge Cobus Reinach and Alex Mitchell for a spot in Saints’ half-back berths, and director of rugby Chris Boyd believes Taylor’s attacking ability makes him an exciting prospect.

He said: “We’re thrilled to boost our options at scrum-half next season with a nippy young player like Henry, in whom we see plenty of potential.

“He has all the qualities to stake a claim for regular first-team rugby so I’m looking forward to seeing how far he can go within our set-up here in Northampton.”