Northampton Saints have officially sealed the deal with star player Alex Mitchell, securing a contract extension that will keep him at the cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
The 26-year-old scrum-half, boasting 11 caps for England and an impressive 119 appearances for the Saints, has become a linchpin for the team.
Mitchell’s journey from the Saints’ Academy ranks to the international stage is nothing short of remarkable. Making his senior debut in the iconic Black, Green, and Gold colors in 2017, he rapidly ascended the ranks, reaching the pinnacle by donning the coveted No.9 shirt for England in a Rugby World Cup semi-final just over two months ago.
Hailing from Maidstone, Mitchell initially joined the Saints Academy in 2015 after a stint with Sale Sharks. His senior debut against Saracens in the 2016/17 season opener marked the beginning of a promising career. The scrum-half notched up nine appearances in his debut season, setting the stage for a stellar trajectory.
The 2018/19 season proved to be a breakout year for Mitchell, featuring in 30 games and playing a pivotal role in the Saints’ triumph in the Premiership Rugby Cup. The victory marked a significant milestone for the club, securing their first silverware in five years by overcoming Saracens on home turf in a thrilling final.
“Choosing to stay at Saints was an easy decision for me,” said Mitchell. “This Club is very special; the coaches, staff and supporters have had my back from day one, and I can’t think of anywhere better to be playing my rugby.
“Playing alongside lads I’ve grown up with week in, week out means a lot to me and I’m loving being a part of this environment and a maturing group of players.
“Everything that Phil Dowson, Sam Vesty and the rest of the coaches are trying to achieve is so clear, everyone – on and off the pitch – is pulling in the same direction and I think you’ve been able to see that hard work paying off over the last few months.”Alex Mitchell
“We’re an ambitious group, we want to win things together, and we’re pushing hard for that this season and beyond. And that’s exactly the kind of environment that I want to be in.
“This has been a huge year already for me personally and I’m excited about what else is to come, with both Saints and England, over the next few seasons.”