Saints forwards staying put
Northampton Saints have announced that five forwards have signed new contracts to stay at Franklin's Gardens for the foreseeable future.
In his three years in Northampton flank Tom Wood has developed from a promising prospect to becoming a senior figure for both club and country.
With 70 first team appearances under his belt, Wood was the Premiership's Player of the Season in 2010/11 and led England on their unbeaten tour of Argentina in June 2013.
Christian Day has been one of the Premiership's leading line-out operators for a number of seasons, with the Saints leading the way in the league this season. The lock has been at Franklin's Gardens throughout the Saints' recent renaissance, helping the team win the Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup and playing in the European Cup and Premiership finals.
One of this season's surprise packages – outside the club, at least – Sam Dickinson has come on in leaps and bounds in the first team. The No.8 is more than making up for the time lost in a first season at Franklin's Gardens that was ruined by an arm injury. But he has already won a Player of the Month award this term, along with plenty of admirers throughout the Premiership.
Hooker Mike Haywood has shown that he is more than just an understudy for Dylan Hartley. The 22-year-old academy graduate passed the 50-appearance mark earlier this campaign and his big match experience includes the 2013 Premiership final and the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship final.
Ben Nutley is another recent player to come through the Saints Academy system into the first team squad. The Luton-born flank, 21, has 41 first team appearances under his belt as well as England Under-20 honours, and has captained the Wanderers during their run to the 'A' League final this season.
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder said that the announcement reflects the strong position that the Saints find themselves in at the moment.
"We're delighted that all five players have signed new contracts with us," he said. "They have all grown and developed in their time with us and have put in plenty of hard work on and off the field.
"Our aim is to have as good a squad as we possibly can, and this starts with making sure we re-sign the quality players we have here already.
"It is a big statement for both the club and the players that these agreements have been done so early."
