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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 13/10/2025 09:19 by Saint Ted.

Can the usual administrative genius start a "Next Years Squad" cause I'm starting to loose track of the comings and goings 🙏

For general prem ins and outs Wikipedia is relatively up to date … [en.m.wikipedia.org]

15. Furbank, Ramm, Baker
14. Freeman, Hendy, Cousins
13. Hutchinson, Litchfield, Thame
12. Dingwall, Odendaal, Savala, Pasco
11. Sleightholme, Caqusau, Glister, Witheat
10. Smith, Belleau, Makepeace-Cubitt, Haley
9. Mitchell, James, Mcparland, Weimann, Garside

1. Iyogun, Fischetti, West, Scola, Dye
2. C.Langdon, Smith, [Walker - not sure his status], Wright, N.Langdon
3. Davison, Millar Mills, Green, Kundiona, Nonleh, Tonga'uiha
4. Lockett, Hunter-Hill, Prowse
5. Coles, Munga, Atuanya
6. Kemeny, Scott-Young, Brown, Ulcoq, Ainsworth-Cave
7. Pollock, Pearson, Benson, Nanka-Bruce
8. Chick, Graham, [Mapu - not sure his status], Perkins

Would hope that there are no more exits, and just a second row (and scrum coach) to come in.

But worry that to balance the books, there might be one or two more exits. Think Odendaal was one question mark. And there has obviously been lots of F.Smith chatter, though it feels like that is just a negotiation process. And if Hunter-Hill isn't picked tomorrow there has to be a big question mark on him.

Odendaal was being chased by a few clubs I read a little while ago. I imagine as we haven’t announced a re-signing of him by now that he is off.
Probably quite expensive just to have him perennially injured.

Why would anyone choose to leave Saints now other than for one last big payoff at the end of their career or some exceptional personal circumstances?

I’ve heard 2 rumours of replacement lock, one more inspiring than the other…. Now both these players are thought to be leaving their current clubs, so linked with us

Molina from Exeter who would be a great signing
Hammond from Quins

First time poster, long time lurker .. Just thinking outside the box maybe we should go looking in the USA again (worked last time) think this guy would fit the bill!

[all.rugby]

I’ve heard Baker hasn’t been offered a new contract.

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Im
Why would anyone choose to leave Saints now other than for one last big payoff at the end of their career or some exceptional personal circumstances?

It may not be the players choice!
Saints for whatever reason may decide not to offer a new contract.

Every season these days we seem to loose quality players which feels like a punch in the guts. This year Augustus, rumoured Odendaal, Temo, Haffar, Seabrook. But last year was brutal and a little bit heart-breaking with losing local lads Courtney, Ludlam and Moon.

The recruitment was truly exceptional for the 23-24 season (F Smith, Odendaal, Langdon, Davison, Pearson, Munga, Haffar, Seabrook, Temo), helped by clubs folding. This season hasn’t worked out brilliantly to put it kindly particularly compared to what we lost. We lost so much leadership in the forwards when Waller retiring is thrown in and it’s shown in our results. Injuries and absences are a factor but the leadership gap in the forwards feels as big a cause for why we are 7th.

So the signings for 25-26 give me real hope. Some excellent leadership signings in the forwards. With Lions having a forced rest for the first 2 games and likely absence of Fin and Furbs in tandem for internationals Belleau feels a shrewd, if possibly expensive signing.

If we can sign a decent second-rower with some oompf to fill the Moon role we are really well-set. Assuming we appoint a decent scrum coach. The camaraderie on display in the Saints coaching booth for the Leinster semi is worth more than any adverts or headhunters. That’s the type of environment people want to work in. Chick chose Saints specifically saying the coaches were a deciding factor when we know he was being courted elsewhere.

Get a second row and decent scrum coach and I think we are back as challengers next season with a fair wind when it comes to injuries.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/05/2025 12:00 by Saint Maul.

I have read rumours around Kemeny also, but sounds like it's for end of next season.

I mean that makes sense as likely s two year contract. May re-sign once we get in to next season. Another lock to replace Temo is needed.

Any knowledge on lads like Prowse and Atuanya? Young but whether they’re staying may dictate who comes in.

Atuanya was I think signed with academy same year as Lockett IIRC. Had a few injuries interestingly playing for Chinnor against Ealing today (showing on YouTube). Looks quite physical especially given first game back although blowing a little 20mins in. Probably needs to put on a bit more good weight for premiership standard. Therefore, might be given a further year to see development but may drop down to regular game to a championship team for next season bearing in mind where Lockett is now and young lads like Ainsworth-Cave coming into the academy/development lock.

Ed Prowse is not as tall as most locks, but having moved back from prop you would expect him to be good in the tight exchanges. Might he become the tight head side lock that we need?
He is 24 so needs a break through season soon if he is to prosper at the Saints.

Oh Cousins leaving us end of season

Burger off to Japan according to Fiss.

The chat on the Eggchasers podcast this week was that Garside is off to Coventry at the end of the summer. They didn’t say where they got that from, but sounds like they heard it on the Prem commentary this weekend.

There are some interesting players coming through in the centre. Both Pasco and Thame are really highly rated. And then separately, is Todaro (who isn't yet in the Senior Academy I don't think) supposed to be the next big thing? Could he see some first team action next year?

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Londonsaint
The chat on the Eggchasers podcast this week was that Garside is off to Coventry at the end of the summer. They didn’t say where they got that from, but sounds like they heard it on the Prem commentary this weekend.

It's also possibile he might be moving to Worcester Warriors ready for their return to the Championship in the 25/26 season. It seems they have their feelers out for players not featuring in match day squads who may fancy a change of scenery.

---

C. O. Y. S. !!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 13/05/2025 10:05 by Pyffy.

Garside's a strange one as every time I've seen him play, he's really impressed. He may have struggled a bit from moving around positionally playing 9, wing and then full-back at the weekend and his size may have worked against him. All the best to him, if he is off.

Every so often there's a player or two who look the business but don't seem to get selected for other reasons that only the coaches are privy to. Brandon Nansen a few seasons ago always looked fierce, physical and confrontational to me but couldn't get a game. Anyone else got a player they felt they'd have liked to have seen more of but struggled with selection?

Nansen was inclined to drop the ball in contact, sometimes even forgetting to take the ball with him. He was also prone to putting his head in the wrong place and turning the lights out on himself. Garside was a 9 I believe, but given the competition in that area has played in other positions. He’s quick, skilfull and always puts in a heap of effort, unfortunately I think his size is against him. In both cases I suspect the coaches were/are aware of the limitations. I think that Savala probably has deserved more starts but again, possibly because he came with a label saying 10, he’s been behind Dingers, Litchfield and Hutch for the 12 shirt. When he has played he’s looked strong and skilful.

Some good emerging talent there that we have seen in Nat 1, would rather like most of them back at the Lions if you don't need them just yet.

My wife spoke to Burger last night and he confirmed he’s off to Japan. He’s very disappointed the fans didn’t get to see the best of him. She wished him the best of luck from all the saints fans.

Worth bearing in mind too that Worcester Warriors are keen to sign up a clutch of player to build up a strong squad. It isn't affecting Saints at the moment but if they can offer the right terms they may tempt unsettled players from premiership clubs.

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Saintsman94
Garside's a strange one as every time I've seen him play, he's really impressed. He may have struggled a bit from moving around positionally playing 9, wing and then full-back at the weekend and his size may have worked against him. All the best to him, if he is off.

He's got a bit of Paul Diggin about him — small, fast, and not afraid to stick his head in the spokes for a tackle. I seem to remember Digger being moved around a bit early on; pretty sure he mentioned he was a fly-half while in the academy. Either way, all the best to Garside if he’s off.

If James's HIA keeps him sidelined, we may well see Garside being Mitchell's cover in Cardiff.

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Matthew
If James's HIA keeps him sidelined, we may well see Garside being Mitchell's cover in Cardiff.

Like in all big games, the plan will probably be for Mitch to play 80 or as close to as possible so i kind of feel like it doesn't matter if James makes it or not. We're probably mostly @#$%& if Mitch doesn't play the whole game regardless of who's on the bench

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Smooothsides

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Matthew
If James's HIA keeps him sidelined, we may well see Garside being Mitchell's cover in Cardiff.

Like in all big games, the plan will probably be for Mitch to play 80 or as close to as possible so i kind of feel like it doesn't matter if James makes it or not. We're probably mostly @#$%& if Mitch doesn't play the whole game regardless of who's on the bench

I can't agree with this thinking. Mitch cannot keep up his pace, or that of the team, for 80 minutes. There is significant drop off and although he has taken it beyond the 50-55 minutes of last season, it is still evident. James' injury could be a real blow.

It will be won and out of sight by 55 mins, job done!😊

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Longers

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Smooothsides

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Matthew
If James's HIA keeps him sidelined, we may well see Garside being Mitchell's cover in Cardiff.

Like in all big games, the plan will probably be for Mitch to play 80 or as close to as possible so i kind of feel like it doesn't matter if James makes it or not. We're probably mostly @#$%& if Mitch doesn't play the whole game regardless of who's on the bench

I can't agree with this thinking. Mitch cannot keep up his pace, or that of the team, for 80 minutes. There is significant drop off and although he has taken it beyond the 50-55 minutes of last season, it is still evident. James' injury could be a real blow.

Mitch played 80 in the semi final and final of the prem last year, and contributed massively late on,as well as in the big wins against Munster and toulon last year. this year he did against the bulls, against France and New Zealand. I'm sure there's games where he came off with less than 10 to go too. I'll be very suprised if he comes off anywhere near the 55th minute

I'm hoping it will just be the sarries game for james. Very interested to know if furbank or Sleights could make the bench for final.

IMitch will play near to 80 minutes in the final. He is a match-winner in the final minutes.
James allows us to play 6-2 on the bench as he can cover several positions.

Updating this for Odendaal being off. Don't think there's been official confirmation on any of the others (Cousins, Garside, Baker, etc.).

15. Furbank, Ramm, Baker
14. Freeman, Hendy, Cousins
13. Hutchinson, Litchfield, Thame
12. Dingwall, Savala, Pasco
11. Sleightholme, Caqusau, Glister, Witheat
10. Smith, Belleau, Makepeace-Cubitt, Haley
9. Mitchell, James, Mcparland, Weimann, Garside

1. Iyogun, Fischetti, West, Scola, Dye
2. C.Langdon, Smith, [Walker - not sure his status], Wright, N.Langdon
3. Davison, Millar Mills, Green, Kundiona, Nonleh, Tonga'uiha
4. Lockett, Hunter-Hill, Prowse
5. Coles, Munga, Atuanya
6. Kemeny, Scott-Young, Brown, Ulcoq, Ainsworth-Cave
7. Pollock, Pearson, Benson, Nanka-Bruce
8. Chick, Graham, [Mapu - not sure his status], Perkins

It was two years ago that Mitchell was clapped out after 55 minutes. To me the biggest change in his game since then has been his stamina. Someone has worked wonders with his nutrition, exercise plan or whatever.

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Santiago
It was two years ago that Mitchell was clapped out after 55 minutes. To me the biggest change in his game since then has been his stamina. Someone has worked wonders with his nutrition, exercise plan or whatever.

I think some of this is down to his time in camp with England during the RWC under the guidance of Aled Walters (IMO currently the best S&C coach in Rugby). It was noticeable how fit Courtney was post RWC.

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tigersimon

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Santiago
It was two years ago that Mitchell was clapped out after 55 minutes. To me the biggest change in his game since then has been his stamina. Someone has worked wonders with his nutrition, exercise plan or whatever.

I think some of this is down to his time in camp with England during the RWC under the guidance of Aled Walters (IMO currently the best S&C coach in Rugby). It was noticeable how fit Courtney was post RWC.

Agreed. There can be this narrative that players go to England and come back worse, broken or with reduced confidence.

For Saints England lads I see players who have all improved through being in the England environment.

These days we often see Mitchell doing the nearly the full 80 and hardly slowing. An element is gameplan where we were running ball from everywhere under Boyd but conditioning also feels a part. I look at the ground Freeman covers for a big man and I’m really impressed. It feels like conditioning has helped..

England has also really helped improve Mitchell’s kicking and defence.

So with the recent announcements of leavers, we need a decent big lock to replace Mayanavanua and probably an experienced utility back to replace Seabrook who can cover centre and wing. I guess we have to make do and bring through from the academy elsewhere … the rest of the budget will be on retention of our key players.

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AlexC
So with the recent announcements of leavers, we need a decent big lock to replace Mayanavanua and probably an experienced utility back to replace Seabrook who can cover centre and wing. I guess we have to make do and bring through from the academy elsewhere … the rest of the budget will be on retention of our key players.

Replacement for Seabrook is Amena Caqusau

Proper in's and out's thread will go up possibly tomorrow or Monday depending on when the club announce the official leavers list, I can't remember of they do it before or after the game on the last home game of the regular season.

It still feels a bit strange to me that we've signed a tighthead (Kundiona) (and not just a development player), without one leaving.

I can't think we would want any of Davison, Millar-Mills or Green to leave. And there hasn't been any noise about any of them. Davison and Millar-Mills (both 33 this summer) would be young at prop to be retiring, but it's def not impossible.

Nonleh was always going to a project player given he was picked up from down the leagues. But my sense is that he's been progressing up through the leagues, and now has had his first game-time for the Saints. So would prob be one they still feel positive about.

Obviously Tonga'uiha is still super young, but he'll start picking up a bit more game time in the Prem Cup.

It feels unlikely to me that we'll start the season with all 6 of these players.

It still feels a bit strange to me that we've signed a tighthead (Kundiona) (and not just a development player), without one leaving.

I can't think we would want any of Davison, Millar-Mills or Green to leave. And there hasn't been any noise about any of them. Davison and Millar-Mills (both 33 this summer) would be young at prop to be retiring, but it's def not impossible.

Nonleh was always going to a project player given he was picked up from down the leagues. But my sense is that he's been progressing up through the leagues, and now has had his first game-time for the Saints. So would prob be one they still feel positive about.

Obviously Tonga'uiha is still super young, but he'll start picking up a bit more game time in the Prem Cup.

It feels unlikely to me that we'll start the season with all 6 of these players.

> Replacement for Seabrook is Amena Caqusau
> Proper in's and out's thread will go up possibly tomorrow or Monday depending on when the club announce the official leavers list, I can't remember of they do it before or after the game on the last home game of the regular season.

I guess, though he is 20 and I would suggest we still need a more experienced back who has played prem level (or equivalent) before as we have had in the past such as Seabrook, Procter, James Wilson etc. It is a gamble, youth is fine but sometimes we need somebody a little more streetwise when our backs are on int. call up.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 15/05/2025 11:20 by AlexC.

I think 2025/26 season could be Litchfield's year.

An off season of bulking up and he could be a real weapon for next year. According to the Offy, he's already bigger than Burger and similar height. He's also got to be quicker given his featuring at Wing.

This is a player that has featured in 2 huge European semi-finals, started 12 Premiership/ European matches this season, more than his previous career total.

His stock is clearly on the rise and he's trusted by the coaches at the highest level. I can see him becoming our next Burger.

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Longers

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Smooothsides

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Matthew
If James's HIA keeps him sidelined, we may well see Garside being Mitchell's cover in Cardiff.

Like in all big games, the plan will probably be for Mitch to play 80 or as close to as possible so i kind of feel like it doesn't matter if James makes it or not. We're probably mostly @#$%& if Mitch doesn't play the whole game regardless of who's on the bench

I can't agree with this thinking. Mitch cannot keep up his pace, or that of the team, for 80 minutes. There is significant drop off and although he has taken it beyond the 50-55 minutes of last season, it is still evident. James' injury could be a real blow.

I agree with that thinking. Mitch was a 55/60 minute full gas player last season which has extended to 65/70 minute this term. With this in mind Tom J coming on at that point adds real impetus and helps to secure / rescue a result.

What’s interesting is Toby Thame is pretty much the same age as Litchfield. Always seems highly rated in pre season games. But has seen very little action, due to a combination of university and injuries.

Next year is going to be a massive year for him.

I think he’s at least two years younger.

I know he's a little outside our usual age profile, but as centre cover, Chris Harris could do a job. Would certainly provide cover for injuries and international plus allow the youngsters time to progress and develope.

Available following release from Glaws

Toby Thame - DOB 8 Nov 2003
Tom Litchfield - DOB 20 April 2002

So there's an 18 month difference in age.

Savala and Baker now confirmed too:


15. Furbank, Ramm
14. Freeman, Hendy, Cousins
13. Hutchinson, Litchfield
12. Dingwall, Thame, Pasco
11. Sleightholme, Caqusau, Glister, Witheat
10. Smith, Belleau, Makepeace-Cubitt, Haley
9. Mitchell, James, Mcparland, Weimann, Garside

1. Iyogun, Fischetti, West, Scola, Dye
2. C.Langdon, Smith, [Walker - not sure his status], Wright, N.Langdon
3. Davison, Millar Mills, Green, Kundiona, Nonleh, Tonga'uiha
4. Lockett, Hunter-Hill, Prowse
5. Coles, Munga, Atuanya
6. Kemeny, Scott-Young, Brown, Ulcoq, Ainsworth-Cave
7. Pollock, Pearson, Benson, Nanka-Bruce
8. Chick, Graham, [Mapu - not sure his status], Perkins

Few more leavers announced :

Northampton Saints today confirm that Jake Garside, Charlie Savala, Callum Hunter-Hill, Ewan Baker, Nathan Langdon, Toby Cousins, Beltus Nonleh, Tom Dye, Louis Haley, Henry Nanka-Bruce and Kieran Perkins will leave the Club at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

Looks like we’ll need at least two locks and some backs depending on the academy intake.

Hunter hill is and isnt a surprise

I thought Hunter Hill would have been on a contract longer than one year ? We really do need 2nd rows now, but I reckon we’d of made all our signing announcements by now with 3 games of the season left ?

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St.Sinner
I thought Hunter Hill would have been on a contract longer than one year ? We really do need 2nd rows now, but I reckon we’d of made all our signing announcements by now with 3 games of the season left ?

It would be v surprising he’d move for a one year contract. Sounds more like both agreed to part ways.

If I’m being frank having him another year felt like a waste of time so I’m relieved as we can use the money for a replacement who is hopefully a better fit.

Wishing all the leavers the best and thanks for what they have given. Garside feels like a shame.

Gutted re Garside but then I was re Matt Worley

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Toulousian Firefighter
Gutted re Garside but then I was re Matt Worley

Ditto - and yet, I'm not sure that many have gone on to make us regret their release?

Wonder where Seabrook is headed, not announced at Tigers when Haffar was?

I've not seen him announced as leaving

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Tidy
I've not seen him announced as leaving

[www.northamptonsaints.co.uk]

Defo right to cut our losses with Hunter-Hill. Surely a lock incoming

As said before, I’ve heard 2 rumours, both from prem, one an international and would add to the depth of starting 23 and the other can see as a CHH level swap?

I hope it’s the former, no disrespect to the later though

Neither Walker nor Mapu were on that list. Do we think that’s because they’re now staying or because they were only on 1 year contracts and didn’t need to be on that list?

I think they would have been on the list if they were definitely leaving. Might still be negotiating though.

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Neil-H
As said before, I’ve heard 2 rumours, both from prem, one an international and would add to the depth of starting 23 and the other can see as a CHH level swap?
I hope it’s the former, no disrespect to the later though

You've surely got to give us names

I wonder if we've any interest in Zack Wimbush?

Fits the profile, young, English and given Exe's problems he might be tempted to work with the best backs coach around, surrounded by the rest of the England backline? Also, the prospect of a fresh start after some injury disruption?

I have no info mind, just a thought. His ceiling seems very high indeed!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 17/05/2025 09:39 by stoofer.

Definitely some gaps to fill, in my opinion. With both Burger and Savala off, I'd like to see a specialist 12 come in—someone with a bit of bosh. Lock also looks light, as mentioned. Belleau is almost certainly coming in as a 10, in my opinion—he's had very few outings at centre from what I can see.

I really think that in both positions, tried and tested Premiership-level players should be a priority. I'm all for developing players—we’ve been fantastic at it—but with such a lack of depth, someone dependable would be my priority.

Jonny Hill is leaving Sale and hasn’t confirmed a new club. I wonder if he'd be someone we'd consider? I also really rate Junior Kpoku, although I’d imagine he’d want a hefty salary and he isn’t really proven yet. Chris Harris leaving Gloucester also fits the bill for centre.

In the coaches we trust, though!

We need to look to the academy first and then plug any gaps. I’m not saying they’re all Pollocks who’ll go from callow youths to Lions in a season, but the lads with U20 experience should be given an opportunity. Ainsworth-Cave is a Lock/6 and Todaro a centre. Moon returning would be fantastic if there is any truth in the rumour, however, I do have faith in the process as it appears to be delivering.

Thought Jonny Hill was off to France or Japan.

I know Northampton can be wild🤣 but not sure it’s an adventure!
[www.bbc.co.uk]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 17/05/2025 15:52 by tigersimon.

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mkersyshull

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Neil-H
As said before, I’ve heard 2 rumours, both from prem, one an international and would add to the depth of starting 23 and the other can see as a CHH level swap?
I hope it’s the former, no disrespect to the later though

You've surely got to give us names

I had seen George Hammond from Quinn’s rumoured as heading our way a while back and he’s been confirmed as leaving. I wonder if he’s the CHH level replacement mentioned?

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tigersimon
Thought Jonny Hill was off to France or Japan.
I know Northampton can be wild🤣 but not sure it’s an adventure!
[www.bbc.co.uk]

Wild wild WILD

That’s an understatement

On the most desirable places to live we came 385th

That’s extreme

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tigersimon
Thought Jonny Hill was off to France or Japan.
I know Northampton can be wild🤣 but not sure it’s an adventure!
[www.bbc.co.uk]

There writes someone who's never been down Bridge Street after hours or tried navigating the Queen Eleanor roundabout at rush hour!

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Matthew

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tigersimon
Thought Jonny Hill was off to France or Japan.
I know Northampton can be wild🤣 but not sure it’s an adventure!
[www.bbc.co.uk]

There writes someone who's never been down Bridge Street after hours or tried navigating the Queen Eleanor roundabout at rush hour!

Or even a born and bred northamptonian trying to find the Premier Inn

Hammond seems likely. But quiet this season but was lovely prior to that. Good ball player and scored some tries. More of an athletic style lock?

Wimbush is a good shout and could be tempted. Massive unit isn’t he. And really like that Olly Hartley at Sarries. He could well be tied up as clearly a very good prospect.

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Matthew

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tigersimon
Thought Jonny Hill was off to France or Japan.
I know Northampton can be wild🤣 but not sure it’s an adventure!
[www.bbc.co.uk]

There writes someone who's never been down Bridge Street after hours or tried navigating the Queen Eleanor roundabout at rush hour!

😆

So I believe that we have a total of 42 squad from this season remaining after the announced departures, plus:-
Chick
Caqusau
Fishetti
Kunidiona
Ulcoq
And the eight new senior academy lads making a total of 55.
In the past we’ve been closer to 60 so it would seem there is some scope for one or two more announcements 🤞🏻

I wonder if there are a couple of announcements being held back for the weekend just in case we need a pick-me-up.

Think here's the latest, included the announced exits, and the senior academy intake:

15. Furbank, Ramm, Pater
14. Freeman, Hendy, Witheat
13. Hutchinson, Litchfield, Todaro, Lumley
12. Dingwall, Thame, Pasco, St John
11. Sleightholme, Caqusau, Glister
10. Smith, Belleau, Makepeace-Cubitt
9. Mitchell, James, McParland, Weimann, Pugh

1. Iyogun, Fischetti, West, Scola
2. C.Langdon, Smith, [Walker - not sure his status], Wright
3. Davison, Millar Mills, Green, Kundiona, Tonga'uiha
4. Lockett, Prowse, Appleby, Lawrence
5. Coles, Munga, Atuanya
6. Kemeny, Scott-Young, Brown, Ainsworth-Cave
7. Pollock, Pearson, Benson, Ulcoq
8. Chick, Graham, [Mapu - not sure his status], Walta

Looking at the squad with all announcements, I can't help but feel we're missing a squad player at 12 and a starter at 4.

If you take out those you'd expect to be absent with international, who's you matchday sqaud?

15. Ramm
14. Hendy?
13. Litchfield
12. Belleau
11. Glister
10. Makepeace-Cubitt
9. James

1. Iyogun
2. Walker
3. Green
4. Lockett
5. Munga
6. Kemeny
7. Pearson
8. Graham

16. Wright
17. West
18. Kundiona
19. Prowse
20. ASY
21. McParland
22. Casqusau
23. Thame

I think we definitely need another experienced 12. Probably another hooker (unless Walker stays on). Another one or two second rows and another 8 (unless Mapu stays on).

Maybe the coaches think Thame is ready to step up, as long as he can stay fit?

I would have liked to have kept Reuben Logan as I think he is ready to be introduced to first team rugby.

I'm not at all convinced by Prowse at second row (purely because he isn't a lineout option) and I've honestly never seen Atuanya play before because he seems to be perennially injured. Could Ed Prowse move all the way back to 6, or is mobility an issue? Either way, the coaches are clearly keen to keep him around the squad. Either way, we need more bodies here - the start of the season proved this when we had to take two players on short term deals.

Still work to do.

Definitely short at 2nd row. I was hoping for a surprise unveiling on the pitch at the weekend of Cannone but that didn't materialise. Imagine the excitement and buzz of the crowd if that had happened? But I feel we'll get an announcement of somebody after the final.