Another England forward leaves Saracens
TRANSFER NEWS: The Saracens exodus has been gaining momentum as another England forward heads for the exit door.
England forward Nick Isiekwe will join Northampton Saints on a year-long loan deal, having also signed a new deal with Saracens.
The 22-year-old arrives at Franklin’s Gardens with more than 50 Premiership appearances under his belt for Saracens, as well as appearing in the 2019 Champions Cup final.
Isiekwe’s move comes days after British and Irish Lions star George Kruis announced his transfer to Japan.
According to the UK media reports, Ben Earl, Max Malins and Jack Singleton have also announced plans to leave the disgraced club. While Scrumhalf Ben Spencer is also expected to join Bath as the Saracens exodus continues.
Isiekwe came through the Saracens Academy and made his debut back in 2016, before earning his first international cap less than a year later on the Red Rose’s tour of Argentina. And he joins Max Malins, Ben Earl and Joel Kpoku in re-signing with the Men in Black has penned a deal that will keep him in north London until 2024.
The forward, who is also capable of playing in the back row, has already built up considerable experience at the highest level of club rugby despite his young age.
Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Chris Boyd is looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish in Black, Green and Gold.
“We’re very excited to bring in Nick for a year at Franklin’s Gardens,” he said. “We had a unique opportunity to welcome one of the rising stars of English rugby to our group.
“Nick will add competition across both the engine room and the back row, complimenting the quality group of players we already have in those areas and adding balance.
“He is still a young player but will bring significant Premiership, European and Test experience, as well as some real power, to our pack.
“Having spoken to Nick on numerous occasions now, I know that he’ll be 100% committed to the Club and completely immerse himself on our culture. I’m sure he’ll savour his time here, enjoy his rugby and be welcomed by Northampton’s supporters.
“Not only will he add value to our squad, but I hope we can help him improve and reach his goal of playing regular international rugby.”
Saracens director of Rugby Mark McCall added: “Nick is another product of our outstanding Academy and at 22 years old has made excellent progress over the last few years.
“There is no question that his best days are ahead of him and we are delighted he has committed his future to our club in the long term.”
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