Ollie Sleightholme is set to leave Northampton Saints, bringing an end to more than a decade with the club.
RUCK understands that the winger will depart when his current contract expires in 2027.
Sleightholme signed a contract extension in 2024, keeping him at Franklin’s Gardens for the “foreseeable future”. That deal is understood to expire next summer.
The decision is believed to be largely influenced by Saints’ salary cap pressures, with Henry Pollock and Tommy Freeman both recently committing their futures to the club on new deals.
His next destination is yet to be decided.
Saracens have emerged as potential suitors for the England winger. Gloucester and Bristol Bears are also understood to be interested.
A move overseas could also be an option given Sleightholme’s recent absence from the England squad.
France is a possible destination that could be appealing to the winger.
The 26-year-old last represented England during the 2025 Six Nations.
With Noah Caluori among the emerging options on the wing, a return to the international setup currently appears difficult.
The son of Saints legend Jon Sleightholme, Ollie joined Northampton’s Academy at the age of 13 after beginning his rugby journey with Northampton Old Scouts.
He signed professionally ahead of the 2018/19 season and made his senior debut aged 18.
Sleightholme marked the occasion in memorable fashion, scoring just 15 seconds after coming off the bench against Wasps.
His breakthrough campaign came in 2023/24, when he scored 16 tries.
That tally included 14 in the Premiership.
That form earned him an England call-up, with the winger featuring against New Zealand before scoring against Australia, South Africa and Japan.
Sleightholme made his Six Nations debut in 2025 and continued to find the try line despite injury disruption during the 2025/26 season, scoring 11 times in 14 appearances.
Still only 26, his explosive pace makes him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen their back three.
His expected departure follows George Furbank’s exit last season, with Saints continuing to manage their salary cap while attempting to retain their key players.
