News: Craig signs on for more with Saints
By ComeOnYouSaints.com
October 25 2012
Northampton Saints today announced that James Craig has signed a new contract with the club.
The 23-year-old forward joined the Saints in the summer of 2011 and has so far played 18 times in the club’s first team, including in the 2012 LV= Cup final and Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-final.
Craig is comfortable at both lock and in the back row, and although injury has cruelly prevented him from adding to his tally of appearances so far in 2012/13 he says he is determined to get fully fit and contributing to the black, green and gold cause as soon as possible.
“It has been a bit frustrating for me in terms of injuries this year, but I’m glad that the coaches have seen past that and seen my potential for the future,” he commented. “Being a part of the Saints has been a great experience, and hopefully I can get back into the matchday 23 when I get back to fitness.
“Settling into the club has been a steady transition and I feel very much at home here now. It’s a great set of lads, a good crowd, good coaches, and you can’t say more than that.
“Looking forward I know I need to break into the first team. It’s going to be hard; we’ve got quality players across the back five forwards, including a lot of England internationals, but I’m determined to keep improving as much as I can.”
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that Craig is a player who can provide a substantial contribution to the squad in the future.
“James is a talented player who has shown already that he has the ability to compete at the top end of the Aviva Premiership Rugby table,” he said. “He can play both in the second row and on the flank, and you need that kind of positional flexibility in the squad.
“We’re very happy that James has signed a new contract with us so early in the season and we’re looking forward to him continuing his development at Franklin’s Gardens.”
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“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Its good to see the club have an eye on signing up some of the young talent early on in the season. Aside from tying in your brightest talent before your competitors try, its logical business planning.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
he has the ability to play at lock or flanker , with the proviso that he could play well at both.
we shall see whether the extra stone is enough to allow him to avoid getting stood up in the tackle , but instead to retain forward momentum, which would be crucial. with his hands and aerial ability and most of all with his ability to read play, he could well be a natural 8 but the 8 must be able to set a target for support runners.
Quote:Matthew
No indication of the duration?
No, Matthew, you know as much as us! The above is the press release sent out by the club.
Well signed.
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Saint Elliot
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