Premiership side Northampton Saints has secured the continued services of back rower Sam Graham through a new contract extending beyond the current season.
You can now visit the RUCK shop here!
The 26-year-old, who joined the Saints from Doncaster in the summer of 2022, has made 31 appearances for the team.
Northampton boss Phil Dowson says he has “been nothing but impressed” by Graham since first speaking to the player.
“His desire to grow and develop as a player has been second to none since then,” Dowson told the club website.
“Sam does a lot of the unseen, ugly stuff out there on the field – the selfless stuff that goes a long way in rugby.”
Graham – who began his career at Chippenham RFC before joining Bath’s Academy – also spent time overseas developing his game with Auckland’s Massey RFC in New Zealand prior to joining Bristol Bears, where he made ten first-team appearances and a further 15 while on loan with Hartpury.
“I’m really excited about what we’re building here at Saints,” said Graham. “In the fairly short amount of time I’ve been in Northampton, I’ve become heavily invested in the Club and that’s credit to the way that both myself and my family have been welcomed into the tight-knit group here.
“My game has grown all round and I’ve loved being given the space to develop alongside some of the best players and coaches that there are in rugby.”Sam Graham
“Signing on again was a really simple decision for me and I’m looking forward to what the next few seasons have in store – first and foremost from a career point of view, but also in my personal life – and I’m delighted I’ll be able to experience it all in Northampton.”
Get your tickets to the 2024 Six Nations matches at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”