Flanker Lewis Ludlam extends contract with Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd has hailed the club’s academy after signing breakthrough flanker Lewis Ludlam to a contract extension.
The 22-year-old back row is enjoying his best season to date wearing Black, Green and Gold, having started eight of Saints’ 12 matches in all competitions so far, and has been rewarded with a new deal taking him up to 2021.
Spotted as a 13-year-old by Saints, Ludlam has progressed through the club’s academy system to emerge as a key forward for the first-team. And he insisted there wasn’t any hesitation in committing to Boyd’s plans for the Saints.
“I’m still living out my dream every day here with Northampton Saints, playing for my childhood club,” he said.
“So I’m really excited to sign on again and to continue to learn from Chris Boyd and the brilliant group of back-rowers we have here at the Gardens.
“It’s a fantastic place to play, and I trust in Chris and the vision he and the other coaches have for the Club. Ever since I first pulled on the Black, Green and Gold jersey, I wanted to show my commitment and help Saints win as much silverware as possible, and that ambition definitely remains the same.”
Chris Boyd commented: “Lewis is clear proof that our academy system is thriving here at Northampton Saints.
“I’m delighted that he has committed his future to the club; part of improving the squad here in Northampton means nurturing a backbone of home-grown talent.
“He’s taken his opportunity and become an important member of our first-team squad here at the Gardens, our supporters love his tenacity, and he is starting to fulfil his huge potential here – I’m confident that will continue in the coming years.”