Fin Smith signs for Northampton with 'immediate effect'

Fin Smith has become the latest Worcester Warrior to find a new home as the club went into partial administration last week.

Smith (20) has signed a multi-year deal, with the flyhalf joining the men in Black, Green and Gold with immediate effect.

Smith arrives at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s, having been the youngest-ever player to start for Warriors in the Gallagher Premiership in March 2021, when he lined up against Bath at the age of just 18 years and 313 days.

He made 31 senior appearances for Worcester and went on to star for the England U20s as a result of his endeavours.

“Fin is definitely a player who has been on our radar for a long time, and the whole coaching group are big admirers of his,” said Northampton’s Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson. “He is someone that always takes the ball to the line, makes good decisions from an attacking point of view, has a bit of flair about him with an offloading game, and is incredibly brave and tough in defence.

“Everyone from within the Worcester and England Under-20s environments has nothing but good things to say about him. He seems to have a really good variation on his kicking game as well, and when you meet him in person you can see how mature, driven and ambitious he is.

“If you put that sort of skillset together with that attitude, you’ve got a really high-potential player who is really keen to compete – but at the age of just 20 he’s got a lot of learning and growing to do as well.

“We always talk about wanting competition within the squad, and I am really excited to see Fin, James Grayson, and Dan Biggar push each other and make each other better as they compete for the No.10 jersey at Saints.”

Smith is the grandson of former Scotland and British & Irish Lions loosehead prop Tom Elliot. He began playing club rugby at Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire before joining Warwick School.

While he went on to make his senior Worcester debut after coming through the academy. Smith also enjoyed a spell with Ampthill in the RFU Championship on a dual registration.

He said: “I’m really excited to sign on with Northampton Saints – a Club with a long history of success, and a very talented coaching group who encourage the squad to express themselves and play a fantastic brand of rugby.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play a couple of matches at Franklin’s Gardens already, and the atmosphere around the ground is always electric – and the pitch is flawless. I can’t wait to compete for the opportunity to run out there week in, week out.

“Speaking to the Club’s coaches, the ambition for this group of players is huge, and it’s clear to me that there’s a great environment to develop as a player at Saints.

“The recent uncertainly has obviously been incredibly difficult for everyone at Worcester, and I will miss the players, coaches and supporters there – the last couple of months have shown what a special club it is.

“Having grown up at Sixways, Warriors will always have a special place in my heart, but I know this is the right move for me at this stage of my career, and I’m looking forward to hopefully hitting the ground running in Northampton.”