Northampton deal extension for Taqele Naiyaravoro

Adam Kyriacou
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Northampton Saints have announced that wing Taqele Naiyaravoro has extended his contract at Franklin’s Gardens for at least two more seasons.

The 27-year-old Fijian-born behemoth instantly become a supporter favourite upon his arrival at the club last summer, courtesy of his immense ball-carrying ability.

Naiyaravoro left opposition defenders strewn in his wake as he made some 28 appearances during an explosive debut season at Saints.

The 2018/19 campaign saw him score 11 tries, making more metres and clean breaks than any other player in the Premiership, and become the only player to beat a century of defenders in one league season since data has been recorded.

And after putting pen to paper on a deal that will see him continue to represent the club, Naiyaravoro is delighted to be staying in Northampton.

“I’m over the moon to be signing on again with Saints,” he said. “I’m very happy here in Northampton and the progress the squad has made over the last 12 months is really exciting.

“I have moved around quite a lot during my career so far, but importantly my family have settled well in Northampton and we feel very much at home here.

“It’s amazing to think I have at least another two years ahead of me here at Franklin’s Gardens. I just hope I can repay all the faith the club’s loyal supporters have shown in me with more good performances, plenty of tries, and hopefully some more trophies.

“We have a brilliant playing group, training environment, and coaches at Saints who have helped me so much, so I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds in store for us.”

Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd said: “I’m thrilled that Taqele has re-signed with Saints – although no doubt there will be a few opposition defenders in the Premiership who won’t be so happy about the news.

“It’s no secret that ‘Big T’ is a huge asset for us; his ball-carrying ability is almost second to none and we know he will create opportunities to score tries every match.

“He provides a point of difference for Saints and the people of Northampton love watching him play, so it’s fantastic he has bought in to our long-term aims here – I’m confident he will continue to improve in Black, Green and Gold.”

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