Northampton Saints

Might be a few welsh players feeling uncomfortable right now if a region gets dropped.

Quote:

DaventrySaint
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.

How about Prowse at 8 ? Reminiscent of Thomas the Tank

Quote:

St Stokey.
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

Stokey

No Davison?
Chick back in the England equation?

Non England internationals who play all the AI games or all the 6N games will need a one week rest in the first 3 weeks post these windows but otherwise EMM/Fischetti/Hutch should be available for all Prem games.
Similarly for England but they also have the Training Camps that clash with Prem Games!

I think Chick, Graham and Pollock is all we’re getting at 8. And pretty exciting. Would be amazed if there is an additional announcement there.

And at centre, Dingwall, Hutchinson and Litchfield, with Freeman and Belleau covering across, and Thame, Pasco and Todaro coming through. Again doesnt feel like we’ll be signing anyone else there.

But there can be no question that were light at second row. I think there’s a chance that Lockett will tour with England as well as Coles. Which is awesome. But quality wise, i still think we need a big lump who could be a potential starter.

Has Seabrook actually been announced by a club?
We’ve announced he’s leaving before we announced signing Casqua.
And we assumed he was going to Tigers with Haffar, but I haven’t seen it announced by them, Haffar has been, and Tigers have just signed Hamer-Webb from Cardiff, he’s a winger who had a short trial stint with us last season. They’re well stocked on wing now with Radwans mid season move plus everyone they had already.
So if Seabrook isn't actually going anywhere, I find it odd that he seem to of just been released by us and is now clubless effectively? Why wouldn’t we keep him?

Quote:

St.Sinner
Has Seabrook actually been announced by a club?
We’ve announced he’s leaving before we announced signing Casqua.
And we assumed he was going to Tigers with Haffar, but I haven’t seen it announced by them, Haffar has been, and Tigers have just signed Hamer-Webb from Cardiff, he’s a winger who had a short trial stint with us last season. They’re well stocked on wing now with Radwans mid season move plus everyone they had already.
So if Seabrook isn't actually going anywhere, I find it odd that he seem to of just been released by us and is now clubless effectively? Why wouldn’t we keep him?

I mean well stocked is a matter of perspective
3 wingers and 1 full back is pretty slim (With 1 winger and 1 full back in the senior academy)

Saints for example have 7 senior back 3 players and have 5 in the senior academy.

St.Sinner,

Our back 3 have been hit by the retirements of Brown (upcoming), Simmons and Watson, plus Bassett & Satala (Academy) moving on at the end of the season.
Radwan was seen as a replacement for Watson so still down on numbers.


No official Tigers announcements on Seabrook or Hamer-Webb yet.

I didn’t know Bassett was leaving you too!
We announced Seabrook leaving aaaages ago so if you have signed him it’s a randomly long wait to announce him!!
His knee’s been so strapped up recently and he’s been struggling with it, could Leicester of pulled out of the deal after his medical?

Bassett off to Worcester.

Quote:

SaintsEdward
Chris Harris leaving Gloucester also fits the bill for centre.

Signed for Barf on a one year injury cover deal

Quote:

SaintsDuncan

Quote:

SaintsEdward
Chris Harris leaving Gloucester also fits the bill for centre.

Signed for Barf on a one year injury cover deal

Of course he did. Plenty of room in the Cap

Stokey,

Injury dispensation cap (£400k) is separate to main Salary Cap!
But expect the cost of Dyson’s to increase!

Quote:

tigersimon
Stokey,
Injury dispensation cap (£400k) is separate to main Salary Cap!
But expect the cost of Dyson’s to increase!

Presumably this is to cover Ollie Lawrence? This signing is for next season, so are Bath predicting that Lawrence will be out for the entirety of the 2026/27 season?

Can we assume, given the article accompanying today’s team news, that Mapu and Walker will be with us next season? No mention of it being their last games for Saints.

Did either get given shirts at the home game against Sarries?

Well we’re all done for the season now so this is likely the only thread with any mileage left in it for now. Hope the boys get a good break in and come back for pre-season raring to go. I think that if there was any big announcement pending we might have had wind of it by now so I suspect we’re pretty much done with recruitment although there is always scope for the odd tweak/surprise I guess.
Fingers crossed those deserving get their chance on the summer tours and our Lions make a good account of themselves at what may be the pinacle of their careers.
On balance it’s been a frustrating but exciting season. Next year something needs to change to get some early wins under our belt. Injuries and enforced rests etc gave us no cushion for the 6N period and a mountain to climb after. Europe showed we are a team to be taken seriously, more of the same next season please!

Maputo’s latest post on Instagram sounds like he’s definetly off.

Quote:

Harpole Saint
Maputo’s latest post on Instagram sounds like he’s definetly off.

If true, that’s a shame as I thought he played well on Saturday, when I was thinking I’d like to see to how he kicked on with a full pre-season and the S&C department getting a full run at him.

Quote:

Harpole Saint
Maputo’s latest post on Instagram sounds like he’s definetly off.

One person responded with "Know it was short stay..." etc and wished him good luck and another use replied to them with "he's not leaving". I would've thought everyone who was off would've been mentioned in the announcement (provided they didn't have their own dedicated news stories prior to that). On that basis, Henry Walker will still be around I guess.

Quote:

Harpole Saint
Maputo’s latest post on Instagram sounds like he’s definetly off.

That's the capital of Mozambique.

Quote:

twsaint

Quote:

Harpole Saint
Maputo’s latest post on Instagram sounds like he’s definetly off.

That's the capital of Mozambique.

Will the cap stretch that far?*

Quote:

Longers

Quote:

twsaint

Quote:

Harpole Saint
Maputo’s latest post on Instagram sounds like he’s definetly off.

That's the capital of Mozambique.

Will the cap stretch that far?*

Well... Bath have made it to Timbuktu and show no signs of stopping!

Quote:

JCDL86

Quote:

Longers

Quote:

twsaint

Quote:

Harpole Saint
Maputo’s latest post on Instagram sounds like he’s definetly off.

That's the capital of Mozambique.

Will the cap stretch that far?*

Well... Bath have made it to Timbuktu and show no signs of stopping!

I suspect Londonsaints list is pretty close to the final squad.

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, 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, Walta

As much as I’d like to see a big name lock announced, I think 57 including the academy signings is about right. I realise that we must have the youngest squad by some way but Pollock has proved that age isn’t as important as skill and experience. I think we should see GMC, Archie McP and Jonnie W getting more game time along with Thame and Glister in the backs. Munga needs to own a shirt next season and Brown and Benson need to start pushing the established lose forwards. I think the key will be injuries. We look pretty good still without our internationals but are only an injury or two away from struggling. Hopefully the players who got their first taste of Prem action against Exeter & Gloucester will have benefitted from the experience and will be pushing to plug any gaps!

I will be gobsmacked if we go into next season with only 3 properly Premiership-seasoned locks. I expect us to pick up one, maybe even two more players capable of playing second row.

Equally, I fully expect another centre to come in, unless we believe Thame is ready to be a regular contributor. Impossible to know whether he is ready considering he's spent most of this season injured.

If we're having to keep our squad this limited due to funds, I dearly hope the board are doing absolutely everything they can to either generate further income via diversification, or are actively seeking external investment from the right places.

Yes definitely need a good lock after losing Temo and CHH.

I appreciate its only the odd occasion, but I would be a little concerned about the effect of international calls ups.

How much rest do Lions and England tourists need upon their return?

Furbank, Freeman, Smith & Mitchell out with Lions
Hendy, Dingwall, Sleightholme, McParland, Iyogun, Langdon, Davison, Coles, Pearson potentially on an England tour
Fischetti away with Italy?
Hutchinson & Millar Mills away with Scotland?

If we have to start the season with some some of those rested, it will be a tough start!

Don’t panic.
The Lions will miss a couple of games.
Others should be OK.

Quote:

Tidy
Yes definitely need a good lock after losing Temo and CHH.

From what I’ve heard there is incoming of a starter and a very good squad player with potential

Hopefully announcements soon

I hear Beltus Nonleh has signed with Sedgley Park in National 1

Quote:

tigerburnie
I hear Beltus Nonleh has signed with Sedgley Park in National 1

Gutted at that,i was hoping he’d sign on for Bedford as he was great for us.

Official list is now at the top of the page.

As stated, official means announced by saints.
Not official.....
RugbyPass
Fissler
Next doors aunts dog walker
Definitely not ruck

I will update with anything new as and when it comes.

Thanks Saint Ted, did you mean Craig Wright at Hooker instead of Walker as I don’t know if anything has been announced yet whether he stays.

No I just missed him off as he was bottom of the offy page and I hadn't scrolled down enough! I've amended it and the breakdown

Quote:

Carlton Boy

Quote:

tigerburnie
I hear Beltus Nonleh has signed with Sedgley Park in National 1

Gutted at that,i was hoping he’d sign on for Bedford as he was great for us.

Seemed a bit of a backward step, maybe he has a job in the Manchester area?

it's his former club.

Jake Garside just announced as signed for Warriors. Thoughts ?

Ah, that’s what we needed. Thanks Ted 👍🏻
20 academy lads, I’d somehow forgotten about the current cohort (which includes Prowse!) It’s a good job there are so many good ‘uns in there with Premiership experience under their belts! Only 37 full time senior squad does seem on the low side non-the-less.

According to Dowse on the Saints Show, Mapu is staying. Toby Thame is with us for the whole season, having graduated from Durham University. A high-scoring winger is joining from the Championship.

Quote:

twsaint
According to Dowse on the Saints Show, Mapu is staying. Toby Thame is with us for the whole season, having graduated from Durham University. A high-scoring winger is joining from the Championship.

It's a shame we couldn't tempt Dean Adamson away from Bedford as he's been on fire this year. Deano re-signed for 2025/2026 and was granted a testimonial year Linky thingy. It will be interesting to see who we have coming in from the champ.

---

C. O. Y. S. !!

Adamson is 32. I doubt if it's a return of Tom Collins or Matt Worley.
Pure guess, but how about Ben Harris ot Matt McNab?

Quote:

twsaint
Adamson is 32. I doubt if it's a return of Tom Collins or Matt Worley.
Pure guess, but how about Ben Harris ot Matt McNab?

Deano was a bit tongue in cheek and is a similar age to Tom Collins. Matt Worley is going back to Japan as reported on the Blues website "Matt Worley will head permanently to Hong Kong as they attempt to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia".

Ben Harris is still listed as a squad player on the Trailfinders website, where as Matt Mcnabb is reported as one of the leavers on the Pirates site.
Matt's bio reads like he might be a good addition. BIO. He is similar in size to Tommy Freeman and seems to know his way to the try line. I don't think he would be over expensive and would relish the chance at a crack in the Prem.

Scrap that, just seen that Matt McNabb has signed for Doncaster Linky

So the the guessing game continues

---

C. O. Y. S. !!



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 06/06/2025 15:52 by Pyffy.

You beat me to it.

Perhaps Pirates' Robin Wedlake, 46 tries 120 games in 7 years, just left the club

Note that Pirates fans think Matavesi has signed for hometown club Camborne as convenience for his Navy job but not aware it's official/correct



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 08/06/2025 22:57 by Scrumpy Half.

I haven't followed Ben Harris in the Championship but I really liked him at Saracens and was disappointed we didn't give him more of a chance although to be fair he was unlucky with injury too.
7's background, exceptional in the air good in space and tough as anything.
He played one game for us with a stinger and no functional arm for 40 minutes. Kept making tackles.

Slightly 😉 wrong Wedlake guess

Joining Sam Matavesi at Camborne

probably for the best. Not sure a 30 year old is the right sort of signing that we need to be making.

Sam Handy appointed Head of Conditioning at Sixways

Not sure if folks missed this, Cousins signed for Ealing … [www.northamptonchron.co.uk]

Is anyone else worried we are almost in July and still no sign of a second row signing having lost Temo, Hunter-Hill and George Smith?

We only have 3 locks not in the senior academy: Coles, Lockett and Munga. Dowse has bigged up Prowse but he still feels like a work in progress.

Quote:

Saint Maul
Is anyone else worried we are almost in July and still no sign of a second row signing having lost Temo, Hunter-Hill and George Smith?
We only have 3 locks not in the senior academy: Coles, Lockett and Munga. Dowse has bigged up Prowse but he still feels like a work in progress.

I'm rather hoping someone will have a word with LSL when the Lions play Queensland. We could do with him.

Quote:

Saint Maul
Is anyone else worried we are almost in July and still no sign of a second row signing having lost Temo, Hunter-Hill and George Smith?
We only have 3 locks not in the senior academy: Coles, Lockett and Munga. Dowse has bigged up Prowse but he still feels like a work in progress.

Perhaps we're waiting for the Top14 to finish.

So on Sunday, I'm expecting a Meafou announcement for the tight head lock and a Bielle-Biarrey announcement for the high scoring winger.*



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 27/06/2025 13:15 by St Stokey..

Quote:

St Stokey.

Quote:

Saint Maul
Is anyone else worried we are almost in July and still no sign of a second row signing having lost Temo, Hunter-Hill and George Smith?
We only have 3 locks not in the senior academy: Coles, Lockett and Munga. Dowse has bigged up Prowse but he still feels like a work in progress.

Perhaps we're waiting for the Top14 to finish.

So on Sunday, I'm expecting a Meafou announcement for the tight head lock and a Bielle-Biarrey announcement for the high scoring winger.*

Oh I wish!

Quote:

Saint Maul
Is anyone else worried we are almost in July and still no sign of a second row signing having lost Temo, Hunter-Hill and George Smith?
We only have 3 locks not in the senior academy: Coles, Lockett and Munga. Dowse has bigged up Prowse but he still feels like a work in progress.

No, I'm not worried.
Van der Mescht looks very doubtful , but others will be in the picture. We appear to have signed a Championship winger, although not announced. I suspect that at least one second-row signing is similarly unannounced.
However, it would be good to know.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 27/06/2025 21:01 by twsaint.

CHH confirmed at Edinburgh

And JJ VDM confirmed as second row

I can't help but think that the squad list at the beginning of this thread looks very good, with a 95% balance about it in terms of age, size, experience, and positional diversity. If we get lucky with injuries and a reasonable start, and the new boys bed in reasonably quickly, we have every chance of making the next season really good, and the one after that really special..........

The only area that feels a little lacking for experience with national call ups and possible injuries is centre. Not sure if the plans are to replace the spot left by Odendal or hope a youngster steps up (such as Thame, Pasco etc.). Litchfield did it do not to say others can’t but hey, hope is not a strategy.

Quote:

AlexC
The only area that feels a little lacking for experience with national call ups and possible injuries is centre. Not sure if the plans are to replace the spot left by Odendal or hope a youngster steps up (such as Thame, Pasco etc.). Litchfield did it do not to say others can’t but hey, hope is not a strategy.

Last season Dingwall was away with England, Hutch with scotland a fair bit and odendaal played in just 6 games becuase of injury . I think Belleau can easily cover that many at centre and we also hopefully won't be forced to play Litch on the wing quite so much which should also help. Freemo also played less at centre this year too so there's potential for more cover there

I would still like to see another winger come in. I'm not looking for a starter, but someone to cover when Freeman, Sleightholme and/ or Hendy are out with internation/ injury. Out back ups feel a little too untried and untested. Ramm could easily do a job but if we're looking for International cover, Furbank will likely be away.

I would say Glister is our next most experienced winger. Seabrook would have been ideal.

Hopefully there is still a cheap, experienced Championship winger available.

Quote:

Smooothsides

Quote:

AlexC
The only area that feels a little lacking for experience with national call ups and possible injuries is centre. Not sure if the plans are to replace the spot left by Odendal or hope a youngster steps up (such as Thame, Pasco etc.). Litchfield did it do not to say others can’t but hey, hope is not a strategy.

Last season Dingwall was away with England, Hutch with scotland a fair bit and odendaal played in just 6 games becuase of injury . I think Belleau can easily cover that many at centre and we also hopefully won't be forced to play Litch on the wing quite so much which should also help. Freemo also played less at centre this year too so there's potential for more cover there

For me this is how we move from being a team placed 8th that has to move people around out of their best position, to a team playing well in both league and cups. I think this is just about 1 player, nothing fundamental. Hey it may come from new or academy players, but I think that is a risk by not finding somebody with more experience and impact.

Quote:

St Stokey.
Hopefully there is still a cheap, experienced Championship winger available.

......... and as if by magic....... James Martin appears 🤔

Quote:

Stillgrinning

Quote:

St Stokey.
Hopefully there is still a cheap, experienced Championship winger available.

......... and as if by magic....... James Martin appears 🤔

.... a late change of career for a tv chef, maybe he didn't get a call for strictly

Here's the final squad for 2025/26.

Squad looks good, hope we are top 4 this coming season and continue another good run in Europe. Ideally we would have replaced Odendal with another experienced centre, though guessing Dowse is looking for Litchfield there with Thame as the new prodigy. An injury amongst int call ups could leave us very thin there.

10 is very exposed, particularly when Fin, Hutch and Furbs are all on international duty. Looks like zero cover to me.

Quote:

AlexC
Squad looks good, hope we are top 4 this coming season and continue another good run in Europe. Ideally we would have replaced Odendal with another experienced centre, though guessing Dowse is looking for Litchfield there with Thame as the new prodigy. An injury amongst int call ups could leave us very thin there.

A fit Odendaal's a big miss but when added to Thame now being available Lumley getting an unexpected start v Gloucester must hint he is in the main batch of centres too which means we have more starting centres than last season by one (except the first few weeks when Thame was available, and used) and by two when considering the long periods when Odendaal wasn't available.

Edit: having just written that I remembered Seabrook was capable of centre , but hardly got any minutes there so I think point still stands, but not denying more proven strength there would be nice mindful especially of international duty



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/07/2025 20:47 by Scrumpy Half.

Quote:

Scrumpy Half

Quote:

AlexC
Squad looks good, hope we are top 4 this coming season and continue another good run in Europe. Ideally we would have replaced Odendal with another experienced centre, though guessing Dowse is looking for Litchfield there with Thame as the new prodigy. An injury amongst int call ups could leave us very thin there.

A fit Odendaal's a big miss but when added to Thame now being available Lumley getting an unexpected start v Gloucester must hint he is in the main batch of centres too which means we have more starting centres than last season by one (except the first few weeks when Thame was available, and used) and by two when considering the long periods when Odendaal wasn't available.

Guessing that is the plan, get the young lads up to speed. I suppose they can bring in somebody later or as injury cover if need be … might be we are at the max of our budget now.

Yes and also guessing our budget is on a carefully calculated figure lower than the cap

And very probably because the club both wants and needs that pre-prepared flexibility for when process of negotiations to retain Smith and numerous others



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/07/2025 20:56 by Scrumpy Half.

Quote:

Santiago
10 is very exposed, particularly when Fin, Hutch and Furbs are all on international duty. Looks like zero cover to me.

Belleau will play flyhalf

Feel sure he realises that and means no main back up/bench 10 beyond Belleau when internationals on duty

Points to James lined up for it

Quote:

Scrumpy Half
Feel sure he realises that and means no main back up/bench 10 beyond Belleau when internationals on duty
Points to James lined up for it

Precisely

Quote:

Santiago

Quote:

Scrumpy Half
Feel sure he realises that and means no main back up/bench 10 beyond Belleau when internationals on duty
Points to James lined up for it

Precisely

The problem with this is who could you sign who would be cheap, happy to be 4th/5th choice and better than TJ looked when he played there this year, I think we'd struggle to get anyone and there's a real question of value for money paying someone to fill that role. With Furbs and hutch so capable at 10 and fin nailed on to start they wouldn't even get many bench opportunities

Quote:

Smooothsides

Quote:

Santiago

Quote:

Scrumpy Half
Feel sure he realises that and means no main back up/bench 10 beyond Belleau when internationals on duty
Points to James lined up for it

Precisely

The problem with this is who could you sign who would be cheap, happy to be 4th/5th choice and better than TJ looked when he played there this year, I think we'd struggle to get anyone and there's a real question of value for money paying someone to fill that role. With Furbs and hutch so capable at 10 and fin nailed on to start they wouldn't even get many bench opportunities

I wonder if Hendy ever played at 10 before or could get some kicking boots on as cover just in case?

6n and autumn internationals account for about 10 weeks, add in injuries and even suspensions, I'd see that as plenty of opportunities for an aspirational fh.

Who is the U18 FH?

---

It seems all eggs are in the Fin basket for 10 with belleau the back up when internationals happen. Furbank and hutch covering to a high level. Looking at the squad with the talent at SH it does seem that T James could be an option at 10 if needed again. I do note academy lad Todaro has been kicking sticks for Italy U20 and Pater also has been pictured in early training practicing place kicking. In terms of who next, U18 and rated highly, having age grade international recognition is Paul Shields son.

Todaro seems multi-positional at present - how best to use his talents. From what I recall from last years 6n he was quite slim, he seems tohave filled out a bit this year.
Pater is listed on the squad as "half-back" , but I think he's played fb too, seems to be another multi-positional/multi-talented case.

I doubt either are anywhere near ready to start at 10 in the "prem" yet.

Regardless of whether you think he should be there it was nice to see a once precocious FH celebrating a precocious back-rower's first lions try yesterday.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 13/07/2025 15:42 by Santiago.

Neither of these lads is a 10.
If Hutch is in the Scotland squad, he will be released for games outside of the international window. So both Belleau and Hutch can cover in that situation.

Quote:

Santiago
6n and autumn internationals account for about 10 weeks, add in injuries and even suspensions, I'd see that as plenty of opportunities for an aspirational fh.

I'm guessing Belleau will be getting the start in a lot of them, otherwise I can't see where he'll get much game time and he won't have signed here to not play. We have the same 10 depth as last year numbers wise, with Belleau replacing GMC, but better performance in theory. I'm not disagreeing a young 10 would be nice have, but ther's just not enough gametime IMO without the wanderers.

Plus my theory is that if fin doesn't sign, we'll see more of Furbs at 10 this year coming and that'll be the plan after Fin leaves



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 14/07/2025 11:18 by Smooothsides.

Hugh Shields was the U18 flyhalf last year in the same team as several of the other lads with academy contracts. Not sure why he missed out, slightly younger perhaps? He looked a good prospect. Hendy played junior rugby at flyhalf, definitely has the skillset but it’s a big step up and TJ’s experience might make for a safer option.