Rugby Transfers: English-qualified Australian back row signs new deal at Northampton Saints

The young quartet all made their senior debuts in Black, Green and Gold during this season’s Prem Rugby Cup campaign, helping Saints reach the semi-finals before eventually losing to Exeter Chiefs, who finished as runners-up.

Between them, the four players have already made 13 senior appearances and will remain at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens after impressing for both Saints and Bedford Blues this season.

Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, Aidan Pugh, Freddie St John and Charlie Ulcoq have all agreed new deals to stay at Franklin’s Gardens.

Ainsworth-Cave has combined the early stages of his Saints career with studying at the University of Bath, helping the university win the BUCS Super Rugby title this season.

The back row forward also represented England Under-20s throughout the Six Nations campaign this spring. After becoming Saint #2122 against Harlequins in the Cup, the 19-year-old made his Gallagher Prem debut against Newcastle Red Bulls in March.

Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson said:

“Aiden has been plugging away at Bath this year and has been playing really well. Going away to university can be difficult because there is no one constantly checking in on you.

“Aiden has been incredibly thorough with his training. He has been professional and that has shown in his performances in the BUCS league, which Bath won this year.

“Every time he has returned to the Club this season, he has improved. I thought Aiden was outstanding throughout the Six Nations campaign.

“He is desperate to improve, works incredibly hard and wants to be a leader. I have been really impressed with him this season.”

Pugh joined Northampton at the start of the current campaign after progressing through Bath Rugby’s Academy system.

Following the collapse of London Irish in 2023, Pugh moved to Bath and later faced Saints in the 2025 Under-18s Academy League final after coming off the bench.

Alongside his development at Bath, Pugh gained senior experience with National League 2 side Henley Hawks, playing in 18 matches during the 2024/25 season.

The 19-year-old made his Saints debut against Leicester Tigers in the Prem Rugby Cup this season while also featuring for Loughborough University in BUCS Super Rugby.

St John, another product of Saints’ Academy pathway, signed his first professional contract with the club ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The former Oakham School student played a key role in Northampton’s Prem Rugby U18 Academy League triumph in 2025, helping Saints beat Bath Rugby 31-14 at Kingsholm Stadium.

This season, St John became Saint #2127 when he came off the bench against Leicester Tigers in the Prem Rugby Cup in November.

Still only 18, St John was also named in England Under-20s’ Elite Player Squad earlier this campaign.

Ulcoq officially joined Saints’ Senior Academy at the beginning of this season.

The English-qualified back row forward arrived at Franklin’s Gardens after representing NSW Waratahs Under-18s, NSW Schools, Australian Schools and Scots College Sydney 1st XV in 2024.

Ulcoq made an immediate impact this season, starting against Leicester Tigers on his debut in the Cup before scoring his first try in the competition during Saints’ win over Newcastle Red Bulls.

His performances in the Cup earned the 20-year-old his first Prem appearance in March, when he came off the bench in Northampton’s 28-27 victory over Newcastle.

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