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Nick Isiekwe makes temporary move to Northampton, signs long-term Saracens deal
By Online Editors
Northampton Saints have announced that England lock Nick Isiekwe will join the club on a year-long loan deal, having also signed a new long-term deal with Saracens. The 22-year-old arrives at Franklin’s Gardens from Saracens where he came through the academy and made his debut back in 2016. He earned his first international cap less than a year later in Argentina.
The 22-year-old arrives at Franklin’s Gardens with more than 50 Gallagher Premiership appearances under his belt for Saracens, as well as appearing in the 2019 Heineken Champions Cup final. He joins Max Malins, Ben Earl and Joel Kpoku in re-signing with Saracens, penning a deal that will keep him in north London until 2024.
Isiekwe, 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. The 6ft 7in, 119kg forward already has over 50 Gallagher Premiership appearances under his belt for Saracens, as well as appearing in the 2019 Heineken Champions Cup final.
Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd is looking forward to seeing what Isiekwe can accomplish at Northampton. “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, complementing 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 per cent 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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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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