In-form Jamie Gibson signs Northampton extension

Adam Kyriacou

Northampton Saints have announced that in-form flanker Jamie Gibson has signed a new contract to remain at the Franklin’s Gardens outfit.

The 28-year-old back-row has been one of Saints’ most-dependable performers in recent seasons, racking up 116 appearances and 10 tries to date in Black, Green and Gold.

Gibson brought up a century of Saints appearances earlier this campaign against Worcester Warriors, but now looks set to notch up many more for Northampton after penning a deal which sees him stay at the club for the foreseeable future.

“I’m obviously delighted to sign another contract with Northampton Saints – after four seasons here, the club really feels like home,” he said.

“I’ve never felt more determined to work hard, keep on improving, and to play as regularly as I can here at Franklin’s Gardens.

“There’s massive competition for places throughout the squad and the back-row is no different; we’re all committed to progressing in every training session and so I’ve no doubt that this is the best possible environment for me to grow as a player.

“We’ve come a long way this season – both on and off the pitch – but the job is not yet done for us and we want to be challenging at the very top of the European game in the not too distant future, so I’m very excited to be a part of that.”

The former Oxford University student first arrived at Franklin’s Gardens back in 2015, following stints at London Irish and Saints’ East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers.

Gibson certainly hit the ground running in his first season in Northampton, starting 24 matches and playing a staggering 1,435 minutes of Premiership rugby.

A stellar 2017/18 season then saw him not only named in the BT Sport ‘Dream Team’ at the Premiership Rugby awards – having made more turnovers than any other player during the season – but Gibson also scooped the prestigious Saints Supporters Club Player of the Season trophy for his efforts.

Under Chris Boyd he has once again impressed the Franklin’s Gardens faithful this term, making 31 appearances so far and scoring two tries, and Saints’ director of rugby is confident the flanker will continue to flourish at the club.

He said: “Jamie has been one of Saints’ most-consistent performers in recent seasons, so we’re delighted to see him commit his future to the club.

“He is a player with a high work-rate, an excellent attitude and a huge desire to fight for his place within a very competitive back-row here at Franklin’s Gardens.

“I know the club’s loyal supporters love his doggedness on the field so I’m sure this will prove to be a popular signing, but most importantly keeping Jamie here strengthens our squad as we look to push for more silverware during the coming seasons.”