For the first time in 10 years, Northampton Saints enter the 2024-25 Premiership season with a target on their backs.
Following a triumphant campaign last year that saw them lift the trophy, they now face the challenge of maintaining their dominance while navigating significant changes within the squad. The losses of club captain Lewis Ludlam and club legends Courtney 'GOAT' Lawes and Alex Waller will leave a big hole in the Saints squad. But with a young and maturing squad growing in confidence and cohesion, it looks likely that the Saints will go marching on to further success.
Key Players
Alex Mitchell, the Saints’ standout performer from the last few seasons, will be pivotal as they embark on this new chapter. His quick, incisive play and leadership at the base of the scrum make him an invaluable asset. Mitchell’s ability to control the tempo of the game and be the link between the powerful pack and exciting backline will be essential for Northampton as they look to assert themselves from the get-go.
England Fly Half Fin Smith will be pivotal in steering the Saints attack and unlocking opposition defences. As a triple threat, Smith's passing, kicking and running game are all developing rapidly, making the young Fly Half one of the most exciting prospects in English rugby.
The unsung hero of the Northampton team is undoubtedly Centre Fraser Dingwall. Not only is he a core part of the Saints leadership team, but he is also a world-class distributor and a rock in protecting the Saints' try line. His ability to pass and carry at the gain line make him a threat with ball in hand and with the help of Defence Coach Lee Radford, Dingwall has become a core cog in the Saints defensive machine.
Perhaps most important, however, is the Northampton forward pack. Without Lawes, Ludlam and Waller, a great deal of experience and ballast will be missing from the title-winning team. The only reason that the likes of Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme could get over the try line is due to the pack. That means that this season, key forwards Juarno Augustus and Tom Pearson will need to step up to fill the gaps. Combining strong carrying ability with hard-hitting work in the contact area and the ability to disrupt opposition ball make the Northampton back row formidable.
Impact Signings
The arrival of Josh Kemeny is a brilliant addition for the Saints. When the Australian flanker was selected for Australia's 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, he was listed as a 'Utility Player', covering 6, 7 and most notably, wing. His athleticism, physicality and set-piece ability make him a canny signing by Director of Rugby Phil Dowson.
Keep an eye out also for NFL triallist George Smith and former Saracens Premiership winner Callum Hunter-Hill both recruited to bolster the Saints' second-row options with the loss of Alex Moon to Bayonne. The 136kg, 6ft 8in lock Smith brings a unique physicality to the Saints pack while Hunter-Hill will bring set piece nouse and a lot of experience as he looks to break into the starting Scottish national team. Both are clever signings and will help to fill the massive gaps left by the departures of key players this summer.
Potential Weakness
The loss of captain Lewis Ludlam, vice-captain Courtney Lawes, and ex-skipper Alex Waller represents a significant challenge for Northampton. All three have been central to the team’s defensive structures and attacking capabilities not only in their title-winning season, but in the latter cases, for a decade. Their absence not only disrupts the leadership team but also removes some of the Saints’ most influential forwards. Replacing their experience and impact on the field will be a tough task and could affect Northampton’s performance, particularly in high-pressure situations.
One to Watch
Henry Pollock is the emerging talent to keep an eye on this season. We have been following Pollock's progression for a few seasons now, and his performances at the Junior World Cup did not disappoint. The young back-rower has shown glimpses of brilliance with his explosive play and defensive tenacity. Now, he will be looking to step up into a more prominent role in the Northampton squad, building on his 7 caps. Coaches Dowson and Vesty will be unlikely to rush the 19-year-old as he develops both mentally and physically, but without doubt, he is an exciting prospect that we expect to go on to deliver great things.
The RIL Take
As reigning champions, Northampton Saints enter the 2024-25 season with elevated expectations and a target on their backs. The coaching duo of Phil Dowson and Sam Vesty face the formidable task of maintaining the team’s high standards while filling the leadership void left by Lawes, Ludlam and Waller. The Saints’ success will hinge on how effectively they adapt to these changes and whether their young players can rise to the occasion.
The squad’s depth and resilience will be tested, particularly in the early stages of the season. If Northampton can seamlessly integrate their new signings and leverage their young talent, they have the potential to continue their winning ways. With George Furbank leading as captain and a talented coaching team at the helm, the Saints are well-positioned to navigate this transitional phase and aim for another successful campaign.
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