TRANSFER: Northampton sign scrum-half

Tuesday, 21 April 2020 at 11:31

bySteven Smith

Northampton Saints have announced the signing of scrum-half Tom James from Doncaster Knights ahead of the 2020/21 season.

The 6ft tall No.9 will make the step up to the Gallagher Premiership for the first time in his career, having enjoyed spells with the Knights and Bedford Blues in the Championship, as well as Loughborough Students in National One.

His exploits for the university outfit saw him called up for England Students back in 2016, and since his arrival at Castle Park James has established himself as Doncaster’s first-choice scrum-half – finishing the 2018/19 season as Knights’ top-scorer and adding eight tries in 18 appearances to his tally this season.

The 26-year-old admitted he cannot wait to test himself at the top table of English rugby when he arrives at Franklin’s Gardens this summer.

“The decision to take this opportunity with Northampton Saints and join a Club at the very top level was a no-brainer for me,” he said.

“There’s a great set-up Franklin’s Gardens; the training facilities are excellent and the stadium is one of the best in the country.

EDITORS PICKS

“But most importantly, Saints are a Club with huge ambition and a really impressive group of coaches, so I am confident it is the best place for me to improve as a rugby player.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Chris Boyd, Sam Vesty and the entire group having seen so many young players break through over the last 18 months.”

LIST | Four Northampton signings who were meant to be the business…but weren’t

Northampton Saints have welcomed more false dawns than most clubs – as highlighted by their misfortune in the transfer market when it comes to exciting signings that ultimately proved disappointing.

We’ve gone from the inception of the Premiership in 1997/98 because, as you all know, that’s when club rugby ‘started’.

1. Dom Barrow

He joined the Saints as a marquee signing for the 2018/19 season but had an injury-disrupted spell which meant the 25-year-old failed to make an impact.

The former Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Falcons lock left Franklin’s Gardens by “mutual consent” in March 2019 after seven uninspiring outings in the black, green and gold.

He officially retired from rugby last month and is now managing director of green technology company Pure-EV

Embed from Getty Images

2. James Haskell

Haskell joined Northampton from Wasps in 2018 in an effort to remain in Eddie Jones’s England squad and makeRugby World Cup squad,

However, he suffered an injury-ravaged campaign that has resulted in the flanker missing more games than he has played.

As a result, Haskell called time on his 17-year rugby career in May 2019 before signing with American MMA promoter Bellator three months later.

Embed from Getty Images

3. Cam Dolan

Scouted and signed personally by head coach Jim Mallinder, the powerhouse number eight join in 2013 following his Man of the Match display against the Maori All Blacks for the USA. That year he was also was named the U.S. Breakout Player of the Year by Rugby Mag.

Nevertheless, the move didn't work out and he left Saints two years later after making just one appearance. The 30-year-old has since played for Cardiff Blues, San Diego Legion, Nottingham and New Orleans Gold while winning 51 caps for his country.

Embed from Getty Images

4. Noah Cato

The highly-rated former England U20 winger arrived at Franklin's Gardens from Saracens, where he had helped the black and reds to their first Premiership title.

He made a total of 10 appearances after joining in 2011, finding regular rugby hard to come by before joining Newcastle Falcons, initially on loan before joining permanently while they were in the Championship.

Embed from Getty Images

Transfer Rumours