Northampton Saints have announced new contracts for Harry Mallinder, Tom Collins, Paul Hill and Ahsee Tuala.
The quartet boast just under 400 appearances and 25 seasons at Franklin’s Gardens between them, and director of rugby Chris Boyd is overjoyed to have secured their services for the foreseeable future.
“We’re absolutely delighted to sign these boys on,” Boyd said. “They’re four Saintsmen who’ve been here for a long time, and are all an important part of the fabric of our organisation.
“They’ve all played a good chunk for us, but a few of them are still young too and they’re all important cogs in our machine.
“We’re not completely finished in terms of our recruitment and retention, but we’re getting very close to getting the balance we want.”
Boyd on Mallinder…
“I think the Club was good to Harry over the last 18 months and I think he’s been good to the club, too.”
“He’s done a lot of work for the Saints Foundation so he’s deeply entrenched in the fabric of Northampton Saints. This is home for Harry and we’re really pleased he’s staying on.”
Boyd on Collins…
“He brings that little bit of X-factor; when you look at our highlights packages, you see how many times Tommy Collins is involved in those moments.
“When he’s hot, he’s very hot, and he’s a really valuable member of this team.”
Boyd on Hill…
“I’m really pleased for Hilly. He’s worked really hard to become an important part of our machine.
“He’s got a big future ahead of him and I’d like to see him stay at Saints for the next seven or eight years. If he does I can see him being both highly capped for the Club and going on to play for England again.”
Boyd on Tuala…
“Ace brings a lot of colour to our environment. He is highly skilful, brings a good, calming influence on the team, and he’s a good man to have on and off the field.”
