TRANSFER | Northampton scrum-half Mitchell on the move

Transfer Rumours

by Steven Smith

Tuesday, 02 June 2020 at 11:42

bySteven Smith

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Doncaster Knights have announced the signing of scrum half James Mitchell from Northampton Saints for the 2020/21 season.

The 25-year-old arrives from Franklin’s Gardens on a one-year deal and with an impressive CV of top flight experience.

James made eight appearances for Saints in 2019/20, featuring in the Champions Cup and Premiership for the Black, Green and Gold after signing from Connacht in September last year.

Mitchell spent two seasons in the West of Ireland, where he made 26 appearances and scored two tries.

JOIN THE RUCK

Head Coach Steve Boden believes he brings great blend of skills and experience to his half back options. “James comes with a wealth of experience despite his young age having played first grade rugby at Northampton, Connacht & Sale.

“He has an excellent skillset, he is strong and succinct communicator and has the ability to keep the game at a high tempo.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how James integrates as a Knight and drives competition in a key position with Sam [Pocklington] Reiss [Cullen].”

LIST | 5 hilarious Jason Leonard stories

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England legend Jason Leonard has told many great stories down the years.

Here are some of our favourites.

1. 'I didn't do it'

Just before we headed out to the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, all the players agreed on a booze ban when coach Jack Rowell discovered that someone had come in at 2am. He accused me at training the next day and I flatly denied it. As I told Martin Bayfield standing next to me: "It couldn't have been me Bayf - I didn't get in until 4am." Poor Bayf just burst out laughing.

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2. Origins of Fun Bus

Coming back from injury, Leonard was called up for an England tour to South Africa 1993 despite putting on a bit of weight. We had these big cotton shirts, which were bright red and looked skin tight on me. Martin Bayfield, because of my London accent and the red shirt, thought I looked like a big red bus, hense 'fun bus'.

3. Argentina tour

Extract from Jason Leonard's autobiogaphy.

4. His funniest stories

In this video, he picks a couple involving Australasia's Prime Minister and the late, great Nelson Mandela.

Jason Leonard's funniest moments in Rugby from Rugby Business Network on Vimeo.

5. 28 pints

Prop Jason Leonard noted that he had 28 pints of lager and when the astounded, part-time nutritionist asked just exactly he was up to each week to consume 28 pints, he was met with a confused look. "That's 28 pints on the Saturday and eight to settle the head on Sunday," Leonard replied.

Jason Leonard’s Drinking XV | Legend picks his top boozers

England legend Jason Leonard has picked his drinking XV of players from down the years that he'd want with him for long sessions and it's brilliant.

Although he did make sure to pick a designated driver, which we say is VERY sensible.

Gavin Hastings (Full-back, Scotland)

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Rory Underwood (Wing and designated driver, England)
Jerry Guscott (Centre, England)

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Scott Gibbs (Centre, Wales)
Scott Hastings (Wing, Scotland)
Stuart Barnes (Outside-half, England)
Robert Jones (Scrum-half, Wales. Replaced at half-time by Dewi Morris, England)

Paul Rendall (Prop, England)
Brian Moore (Hooker, England)

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Jeff Probyn (Prop, England)
Wade Dooley (Lock, England)
Norm Hadley (Lock, Canada)
Peter Winterbottom (Flanker, England)
Dean Richards (No8, England)