Northampton Saints sign hulking centre Symons

Andy Symons has become the latest player to join Northampton Saints, with the club announcing the centre’s switch from Gloucester Rugby.

The 26-year-old will trade Kingsholm for Franklin’s Gardens next season, having agreed a deal to move to the East Midlands.

Symons, who also counts Leicester Tigers and Tasman Makos amongst his former clubs, has made 20 appearances to date for the Cherry & Whites since his 2016 move from fellow Aviva Premiership outfit Worcester Warriors.

And with Taqele Naiyaravoro, Will Davis, Ben Franks and Dom Barrow all signing for the Club in recent weeks, Saints’ squad for the 2018/19 campaign is starting to take shape.

“I’m hugely excited to be joining up with Northampton Saints next season,” said Symons.

“The options at centre at Franklin’s Gardens are already exceptional, and I’m relishing the thought of testing myself alongside the likes of Rob Horne, Luther Burrell, and Piers Francis.

“Coming to Northampton with an opposition shirt on has always been an intimidating experience; I can’t wait to have such as passionate group of supporters behind me next year.

“Saints’ ambition to succeed is clear to see from the players and coaches they’ve already got on board, and I want to play my part.”

Symons started out his career with Saracens Amateurs and Old Albanians, but after linking up with the Saracens Academy, a bold move to New Zealand beckoned for his first taste of professional rugby.

After spending a season playing for Tasman in the ITM Cup, Symons then returned to the UK to join Worcester Warriors in 2013 – via Leicester Tigers’ sevens side.

Making his debut in the Anglo-Welsh Cup later that year, the centre opened his Aviva Premiership account with a debut score against the Tigers.

Standing at 6’5” tall, Symons soon made his impression in the Premiership and made over 50 appearances for the Sixways outfit before switching to Gloucester in 2016.

Despite an injury-hit first campaign with the Cherry & Whites, he has made a big impact this term and established himself in the first team at Kingsholm.

And Saints’ interim head coach Alan Dickens is confident Symons will continue his upward trajectory in the Aviva Premiership as he dons Black, Green and Gold next season.

He said: “Andy’s a big, ball-carrying centre who really impressed when he played against us earlier this season.

“Injuries have held him back slightly but we’re positive he’ll fit well into our midfield for next season – we’re delighted to have him on board.”