Danny Care picks ‘fastest’ nine in Europe while Fin Smith reacts to ‘massive’ re-signing

Alex Mitchell’s decision to re-sign for Northampton Saints has been described as “massive” by half-back partner Fin Smith, as the duo look to restore their club to the heights of the 2023/24 Premiership-winning season.

Speaking to Planet Rugby at the Pro Am Padel Tour in London on Tuesday, Smith highlighted the importance of Mitchell’s contract extension on those around him.

“It’s massive,” said the 23-year-old. “He’s someone I spoke to a lot before I signed my deal as well. It was really important for me to know that if I was going to be at the club, he was going to be around as well.

Great connection

“I feel like we’ve got a great connection on the pitch, and he’s one of my best mates off the pitch as well. So, yeah, absolutely delighted. His signing means we’re gonna have another couple of years, hopefully, playing together. So, really good news.”

Smith and Mitchell have generated quite a partnership since the latter arrived at Franklin’s Gardens in 2022. In both club and international colours, the duo have become one of the most consistent pairings in Europe, most notably guiding the young Northampton Saints team of 2023/24 to Premiership glory for the first time in 10 years, and only the second time in the club’s history.

“He’s a massive part of everything we do at Saints,” continued Smith. “He really gets our attack going. I don’t know how people still fall for the dummy, but he still gets some of the boys in training every now and again.

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“He’s such a handful, and he’s probably added to that a real level of maturity around his game management over the last few years. I’m so happy to be part of the axis with him, and really happy he’s staying around.”

Former England great Danny Care was also full of praise for the 28-year-old scrum half, saying: “It’s great news for Northampton, for England, and for Alex Mitchell himself.

“He’s at the perfect club for him. He’s with his boys and a great young group of English lads. He’s a wonderful rugby player and made that England number nine shirt his own.”

Game recognise game

From one-star scrum-half to another, Care explained what makes Mitchell so special.

“Everyone sees the tempo he plays at,” said the 38-year-old. “He plays faster than any other nine in the league, probably across Europe.

“What I love about him is that he’s fearless and he backs himself. He doesn’t overthink things too much, which is the one bit of advice I try and give to any young nine, just back yourself. If it’s on to go, you go. If it’s on to pass, pass, don’t double-think yourself. So he’s the best example of that, and he’s always a threat off the line. So he’s got the all-court game.”

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