Nick Isiekwe joins Northampton on loan after signing long-term contract with Saracens
England lock Nick Isiekwe will join Northampton on a season-long loan as part of a new long-term contract with Saracens, it was announced on Thursday.
Isiekwe becomes the latest Saracens to be loaned out ahead of the club's upcoming season in the Championship, following their relegation after multiple points deductions related to breaching the salary cap.
Full-back Max Malins and England back-row Ben Earl are joining Bristol on similar loan arrangements, as is England hooker Jack Singleton, heading to Gloucester.
With his deal set to expire at the end of the season, Isiekwe had been linked with a range of Premiership clubs before the news of his extension, and temporary switch to Northampton, was announced.
The 22-year-old has won three caps for England but has not appeared for Eddie Jones' side since the 2018 summer tour of South Africa, with Isiekwe going on to miss out on England's Rugby World Cup squad to Japan last year.
Isiekwe is Northampton's third confirmed arrival ahead of next season, following the permanent signings of scrum-half Tom James from Doncaster and prop Nick Auterac from Harlequins, and will line up alongside fellow England lock Courtney Lawes at Franklin's Gardens.
“We’re very excited to bring in Nick for a year at Franklin’s Gardens,” said Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd. “We had a unique opportunity to welcome one of the rising stars of English rugby to our group.
“He is still a young player but will bring significant Premiership, European and Test experience, as well as some real power, to our pack. I know that he’ll be 100 per cent committed to the Club and completely immerse himself on our culture.
“Not only will he add value to our squad, but I hope we can help him improve and reach his goal of playing regular international rugby.”
Isiekwe said: “I’m over the moon to commit my future long-term [to Saracens]. I’ve been here for my whole adult life so far and since I was 13 in the Academy.
“I’ll always look back at the development that I’ve had as a player and as a person and just be thankful. It’s been a special place not only in my life but in my family’s life.
Saracens director of Rugby Mark McCall said: “Nick is another product of our outstanding Academy and at 22 years old has made excellent progress over the last few years.
“There is no question that his best days are ahead of him and we are delighted he has committed his future to our club in the long term.”
Saracens announced their first signing ahead of playing in the Championship on Wednesday, with Wales scrum-half Aled Davies joining the club on a three-year contract from Ospreys.
