‘Really important’ England hopeful signs a new deal with Northampton

Star centre Fraser Dingwall has signed a new deal with Northampton Saints as a fair reward for some brilliant form this season.

Dingwall has been a key player in helping his side climb to the summit of the Premiership on the back of six consecutive wins.

Leader

The 24-year-old already has more than a century of caps for the club and director of rugby Phil Dowson sees Dingwall as a key part of the leadership group.

“Despite his age, Fraser is very much one of the senior players and a leader within our squad, particularly on the defensive side of the ball,” Dowson said.

“He’s a really important part of the group and a lot of people look to Fraser both in terms of how he prepares himself and how he goes about playing the game.

“He’s a top-quality player, there’s no doubt about that; he reads the game brilliantly, he’s got great footwork at the line, and he’s able to make huge contributions on both sides of the ball.

“But what’s also so impressive about him is the way he looks after people, makes sure everyone is on the right track, and communicates with the coaches – all those elements are very important for us.”

Ready for Test rugby

Dowson believes Dingwall will be an asset at Test level having already been on the fringes of the England set-up.

“The fact that he has been recognised internationally and picked in so many England training camps shows that he has the ability to play at that level already,” Dowson said.

“It’s tough to break into international rugby, but I am confident Fraser can get there because of his ability to make all the players around him better.

“He creates space, does the unseen work, and talks to everyone in that backline to get them going in the right direction.

“He’s one of those players who will be hard to budge once he gets into an international shirt, because he is so influential to those around him.”

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