ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL NICK Isiekwe will move to Northampton on a season-long loan from Saracens for the 2020/21 campaign.
Saracens will be playing in the English Championship next season after their relegation from the Premiership due to salary cap breaches.
While several leading England internationals such as Maro Itoje and Jamie George have decided to remain with Sarries for what is likely to be one season in the second tier, a handful of less established players are opting for loan moves in order to continue their development at the highest level and convince England boss Eddie Jones of their quality.
22-year-old Isiekwe, who was superb in the 2019/20 campaign, will link up with Chris Boyd’s Northampton for next season.
The second row, who can also play at blindside flanker, has signed a new contract with Saracens that will keep him with the club until 2024, underlining his intention of being part of the north London set-up in the future.
6ft 7ins Isiekwe has won three caps for England so far, having made his debut at the age of 19 against Argentina in 2017.
“We’re very excited to bring in Nick for a year at Franklin’s Gardens,” said Northampton director of rugby Boyd. “We had a unique opportunity to welcome one of the rising stars of English rugby to our group.
“Nick will add competition across both the engine room and the back row, complimenting the quality group of players we already have in those areas and adding balance. He is still a young player but will bring significant Premiership, European and Test experience, as well as some real power, to our pack.
“Having spoken to Nick on numerous occasions now, I know that he’ll be 100% committed to the club and completely immerse himself in our culture. I’m sure he’ll savour his time here, enjoy his rugby and be welcomed by Northampton’s supporters.
“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 joins fellow Saracens men Ben Earl, Max Malians [both Bristol], and Jack Singleton [Gloucester] in heading out on loan for next season as Mark McCall’s side go about earning promotion back into the Premiership.
Saracens yesterday confirmed the signing of Wales international scrum-half Aled Davies on a three-year deal.
England international lock George Kruis is leaving the club to join Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan on a one-year contract, while Irish-qualified fullback Matt Gallagher is moving to Munster this summer.
