Saints don't lose Wyk, Kitto returns for second stint with Warriors

Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors have both today confirmed signings ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Francois van Wyk

Saints have confirmed that prop Francois van Wyk has signed a new contract with the Club to keep him at Franklin’s Gardens until 2021.

Since arriving in the East Midlands in the summer of 2017, the powerful South African-born loosehead has made 43 appearances in Black, Green and Gold in all competitions.

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Van Wyk has enhanced his first team credentials this term under Chris Boyd, getting a run of starts under his belt and scoring his first points for the Club with a try double against Bristol Bears in October.

The 27-year-old also claimed some silverware in his debut season as he played a prominent role in the Wanderers’ A League triumph, starting the final where Northampton beat Exeter Braves 31-21 in the final.

And with at least two more seasons as a Saint to look forward to, Van Wyk is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the Franklin’s Gardens faithful.

“I’m really happy to be staying on with Saints for another couple of years,” he said.

“I feel very at home here at the Club, and the confidence that Chris Boyd and the other coaches have put in me this season have helped me to kick on.

“The players around me are helping me a lot and I just want to build on my performances this season and improve my consistency.

“I’m very excited for the challenge that lies ahead of us in the coming seasons and hopefully we can pick up some silverware for these great fans.”

Jono Kitto

Scrum-half Jono Kitto is set for a second stint with Warriors having signed a contract for next season.

The former New Zealand Under-20s international had a short stint on loan at Sixways at the start of last season and will return on a permanent deal from New Zealand provincial side Northland.

“I am really excited to be heading back to play rugby in the Gallagher Premiership and in particular with the Worcester Warriors,” Kitto said.

“I really enjoyed my brief stint there in 2017 and met some good people that I am looking forward to working with again.

It has been good to be home the last year reconnecting with family and friends and I really enjoyed my time with Northland, but the opportunity to join Worcester was too good to miss.”

Kitto, 26, has previous Premiership experience with Leicester Tigers, from he played for Warriors on loan, and Harlequins.

Kitto is Warriors’ third new signing for next season following lock Graham Kitchener, who will rejoin from Leicester, and tighthead prop Conor Carey, who will move from Connacht.

Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons said: “ Jono is a quality, experienced scrumhalf, who has the distinct advantage of not only having played in the Premiership,but of having played for the Club.

"Everyone at the Club who worked with him sings his praises as both a player and a bloke so I have no doubt he will add huge value and we look forward to welcoming him back to Sixways.”