Fin Smith will become the third highest-paid player if he completes shock transfer

Tuesday, 06 May 2025 at 22:04

byRugby Rucker

Northampton Saints are on red alert as star fly-half Fin Smith approaches the final year of his contract—sparking a transfer tug-of-war that could shake up the Premiership.

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The 22-year-old fly-half is quickly becoming the hottest name on the domestic market—and Saints could struggle to keep him.

The rise of Fin

Born in Warwick but boasting Scottish roots, Smith burst onto the international scene during this year’s Six Nations, starting four of England’s last five matches and nudging Marcus Smith out of the No.10 jersey. It was a breakthrough campaign that saw his stock skyrocket—alongside his value.

Still one of the lowest-paid?

Despite helping Saints lift the Premiership trophy in 2024 and being named in the Team of the Season, Smith remains one of the lowest-paid players in Steve Borthwick’s England setup. He also scooped the RPA Players’ Player of the Year award, but a new Saints deal still hasn’t materialised.

Tigers lurking in the tall grass

, East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers are circling—and they’re ready to pounce. With £600,000 reportedly available to spend, Neil Fissler claims Tigers are planning a bold swoop, while also eyeing a short-term deal for Gloucester and Wales veteran Gareth Anscombe.

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is salary would make him England's second highest paid player behind Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell.

Bath plotting bold Finn replacement

RUCK sources suggest Bath are also in the mix. With Finn Russell out of contract next year, they’re exploring their options—and Smith is firmly on the radar. If Russell moves on, the Rec could come calling with a hefty offer of their own.

Money talks—and Saints are struggling

Northampton, who picked up Smith after Worcester Warriors folded, have been vocal in support of a reduced salary cap after posting a £1.7 million loss. CEO Julia Chapman says the club will post a smaller loss this year—but Saints are firmly behind slashing the £6.4m cap to stay sustainable.

Welford Road calling?

With big-money offers expected to flood in and Northampton tightening the purse strings, it’s hard to see how Saints keep hold of their star playmaker. If nothing changes, don’t be surprised if Smith is wearing green, white and red by this time next year.

Sam Warburton names his 2025 Lions squad - selects 14 England players

Former Lions skipper Sam Warburton has named his early 40-man squad for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour — and there are a few eyebrow-raising calls from the Welsh legend.

Perhaps the biggest headline-grabber is his selection of England speedster Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, despite the fact the Exeter flyer hasn’t played a minute of rugby since December due to injury.

“For me, when fit, Feyi-Waboso is the best winger of the lot,” Warburton wrote in The Times. “Even if he cannot make the very start of the tour, I would take that gamble.”

Warburton also had a tough time picking his skipper, but it came down to a familiar face from England and a standout Irishman.

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“My captain? Apologies, but I have said this before, and will say it again: I do not mind if either England’s Maro Itoje or Caelan Doris is captain,” Warburton admitted. “Yes, I’m sitting on the fence, but either will do a fantastic job.”

The ex-flanker revealed the new captain will be invited to a special tradition started in 2017 — a private dinner for all living Lions skippers. Heartbreakingly, Phil Bennett, who attended the last one, has since passed away.

Read the full column from Sam Warburton here.

? Sam Warburton's 2025 Lions Squad: The England Contingent

? Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, Wing)

A breakout star before injury cut his season short, the Cardiff-born flyer qualifies for England through residency. Electric pace, dazzling footwork, and power in contact make him a game-changer. Warburton calls him “the best winger of the lot” — high praise indeed.

? Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, Wing)

The versatile back can slot in at fullback or wing, boasting serious size, speed, and composure. Freeman is a constant threat with ball in hand and has grown into a reliable option under Steve Borthwick.

? Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, Fly-half)

The former Worcester Warrior is one of the brightest 10s in the Premiership. Calm under pressure and a metronomic goal-kicker, Smith has earned rave reviews for steering Saints to the top of the table.

? Marcus Smith (Harlequins, Fly-half)

The most mercurial of England's playmakers. Smith has footwork, flair, and vision to unlock defences but can divide opinion with his risk-taking. Warburton sees the value in that magic.

⚡ Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, Scrum-half)

A sharp operator with a lightning pass and sniping runs. Mitchell thrives in quick ball scenarios and adds serious tempo to any attack — a modern scrum-half through and through.

? Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, Prop)

Nicknamed “The Baby Rhino” for good reason. Genge brings raw power, aggression, and leadership. A fan favourite and a core figure in England's forward pack.

? Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, Prop)

A dependable tighthead with massive scrummaging ability. Stuart’s work around the park often goes unnoticed, but he’s a cornerstone of England’s front row depth.

? Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, Hooker)

After injury setbacks, LCD is roaring back. Explosive, confrontational, and dynamic in the loose — if he stays fit, he’s a serious Lions contender.

? Maro Itoje (Saracens, Lock)

One of the modern greats. Itoje’s athleticism, lineout dominance, and disruptive presence at the breakdown make him a Lions lynchpin. Warburton even named him potential captain material.

? George Martin (Leicester Tigers, Lock)

Still just 23, but built like a veteran enforcer. Martin is physical, fearless, and hits like a freight train. Think of him as the Lions' future Alun Wyn Jones.

?️ Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, Lock)

Athletic, rangy, and relentless. Chessum covers lock and blindside flanker, offering a dynamic engine room option with excellent work rate.

? Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, Back row)

Though injuries have sidelined him recently, Curry remains one of the world's best opensides when fit. Relentless at the breakdown and rarely has an off day.

? Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, Back row)

Tom’s twin and an underrated star in his own right. Tough as nails, defensively sound, and a breakdown menace — he’s forced his way into this elite group.

⚡ Ben Earl (Saracens, Back row)

England’s best player in 2023, Earl brings explosiveness, agility, and relentless energy from the back row. He’s a line-break machine and defensive workhorse.

? Sam Warburton’s 40-man Lions squad for 2025

Fullbacks:
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland), Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Blair Murray (Scotland)

Wingers:
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), James Lowe (Ireland), Tommy Freeman (England), Darcy Graham (Scotland), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)

Centres:
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Huw Jones (Scotland), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

Fly-halves:
Finn Russell (Scotland), Fin Smith (England), Marcus Smith (England)

Scrum-halves:
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), Alex Mitchell (England), Tomos Williams (Wales)

Props:
Ellis Genge (England), Andrew Porter (Ireland), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Will Stuart (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland)

Hookers:
Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Luke Cowan-Dickie (England), Dewi Lake (Wales)

Locks:
Maro Itoje (England), George Martin (England), Ollie Chessum (England), Joe McCarthy (Ireland), James Ryan (Ireland)

Back rowers:
Tom Curry (England), Ben Curry (England), Jac Morgan (Wales), Ben Earl (England), Caelan Doris (Ireland), Taulupe Faletau (Wales), Jack Conan (Ireland), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

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