Statement: International star to depart Northampton Saints for personal reasons

Wednesday, 07 May 2025 at 10:08

byRugby Rucker

Northampton Saints have confirmed that powerhouse lock Temo Mayanavanua will leave the club at the end of the 2024/25 season as he heads back to Fiji to continue his rugby journey closer to home.

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Short but sweet: A title-winning stint

The 27-year-old arrived at Franklin’s Gardens following Fiji’s 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign and made his Saints debut later that year after overcoming a knee injury, becoming Saint #2085 with an appearance off the bench against Saracens.

Since then, he’s clocked up 35 appearances in Black, Green and Gold – including a huge contribution during Saints' charge to the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership title, finishing the season in style with a famous 25-21 win over Bath at Twickenham.

His sole try in Saints colours came earlier this season in the Investec Champions Cup pool clash against Castres Olympique.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

“Saints felt like home” – Mayanavanua

Reflecting on his time in Northampton, Mayanavanua was full of gratitude.

“It has been a blessing for me and my family to be at Saints. From day one – even before I arrived – the club went out of their way to help my wife and son settle in,” he said.

“Everyone made us feel like we were home. Winning the Premiership last season showed how special this group is, and reaching the Champions Cup Final just backs that up."

But for the 31-cap Fiji international, who featured in their famous victory over Wales in Cardiff last year, the call of home has become impossible to ignore.

“I’ve been away from Fiji for nearly eight years, my wife for six. On a recent visit, seeing our son with his cousins made us realise how much we’ve missed. Now there’s a professional team back home, players like me finally have a pathway without needing to go overseas.”

A farewell… but not goodbye

Despite the emotional pull of home, Mayanavanua admits this wasn’t an easy decision.

“Saints will always have a special place in my heart. The supporters have made us feel so welcome – it’s honestly made the choice so tough."

“Winning the Premiership was a career highlight. I never thought that would happen when I arrived after winning the Challenge Cup with Lyon. I got a taste for success, and I’m determined to help this team win more before I sign off.”

Who will make the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad? Latest odds

While the final tour squad remains months away, these latest odds from the bookmakers offer the strongest hints yet of who’s expected to don the famous red jersey.

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? BACK-THREE: Scottish Power, Irish Precision

Duhan van der Merwe (1/16) is about as nailed-on as it gets – the Scotland powerhouse leads the market by some distance. He’s joined by two key Irish threats: James Lowe (1/8) and Hugo Keenan (1/5), both firm favourites.

England’s Tommy Freeman (4/9) continues his upward trajectory, while Blair Kinghorn (8/11) brings utility value and flair. Don’t rule out Darcy Graham (2/1) – the pocket rocket could be a dark horse.

? CENTRES: Aki and Jones in Pole Position

No surprises here. Bundee Aki (1/5) has been sensational and looks a shoo-in, while Huw Jones (1/4) is Scotland's best bet in midfield.

Scotland’s dynamic duo of Sione Tuipulotu (2/7) and Huw Jones (1/4) are also on track for selection, while Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw (8/11) must prove his fitness to stay in contention.

? FLY-HALVES: Finn’s to Lose?

Finn Russell (1/10) has the number 10 jersey in his grasp – and the bookies agree. England’s Fin Smith (8/15) is rising fast, while Marcus Smith (8/11) just edges Ireland’s Sam Prendergast, who drops out of the market in this latest update.

? NINES: Neck-and-Neck

It’s tight at scrum-half. Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park (8/11) leads the charge, but Alex Mitchell (11/10) and Tomos Williams (11/10) are breathing down his neck. With form fluctuating, this one’s still wide open.

? PROPS: Irish Domination

There’s no ignoring Tadhg Furlong (1/8) and Andrew Porter (1/7) – both virtually guaranteed. Zander Fagerson (4/11)is Scotland’s main man, while England’s Ellis Genge (4/6) and Fin Baxter (5/6) are right in the mix.

Pierre Schoeman (5/4) is hanging on, but might need a big end to the season.

? HOOKERS: Sheehan Out in Front

Dan Sheehan (1/10) is the clear frontrunner, but Dewi Lake (8/15) is hot on his heels. England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie (6/5) is back in the mix, but will need to stay fit to seal his spot.

? LOCKS: Itoje the Banker

Maro Itoje (1/33) is the biggest lock on the list (pun fully intended). He’s joined by Tadhg Beirne (1/10) and rising Irish star Joe McCarthy (4/6).

England’s Ollie Chessum (8/11) is in the hunt, and George Martin (11/10) isn’t far behind either.

? BACK-ROW: Doris and Earl Lead the Charge

Ireland’s Caelan Doris (1/5) and England’s Ben Earl (1/5) are leading the way. Former World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier (1/3) is another certainty.

England’s Tom Curry (8/15) is close to sealing a spot, while Jack Morgan (4/6) and Jack Willis (6/4) remain outside contenders.

? PROPOSED 2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)

Back-Three (6):
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) - 1/16
James Lowe (Ireland) - 1/8
Hugo Keenan (Ireland) - 1/5
Tommy Freeman (England) - 4/9
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) - 8/11
Darcy Graham (Scotland) - 2/1

Centres (4):
Bundee Aki (Ireland) - 1/5
Huw Jones (Scotland) - 1/4
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) - 2/7
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) - 8/11

Fly-Halves (3):
Finn Russell (Scotland) - 1/10
Fin Smith (England) - 8/15
Marcus Smith (England) - 8/11

Scrum-Halves (3):
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) - 8/11
Alex Mitchell (England) - 11/10
Tomos Williams (Wales) - 11/10

Props (3):
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) - 1/8
Andrew Porter (Ireland) - 1/7
Zander Fagerson (Scotland) - 4/11
Ellis Genge (England) - 4/6
Fin Baxter (England) - 5/6
Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) - 5/4

Hookers (3):
Dan Sheehan (Ireland) - 1/10
Dewi Lake (Wales) - 8/15
Luke Cowan-Dickie (England) - 6/5

Locks (5):
Maro Itoje (England) - 1/33
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) - 1/10
Joe McCarthy (Ireland) - 4/6
Ollie Chessum (England) - 8/11
George Martin (England) - 11/10

Back-Row (6):
Caelan Doris (Ireland) - 1/5
Ben Earl (England) - 1/5
Josh van der Flier (Ireland) - 1/3
Tom Curry (England) - 8/15
Jack Morgan (Wales) - 4/6
Jack Willis (England) - 6/4

Who will make the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad? Latest odds

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