Premiership: Teimana Harrison to leave Northampton Saints for overseas move
Northampton Saints have confirmed that exciting back-row Teimana Harrison will leave the Premiership club at the end of the season.
Harrison, 29, has enjoyed a decade at Franklin’s Gardens, playing 183 games and scoring 26 tries in that time. He leaves for an opportunity abroad.
“While we are disappointed to see Teimana move on, we respect that he has made this decision with his family’s future in mind,” said Northampton‘s incoming director of rugby Phil Dowson.
Dogged in attack and defence
“We know that Saints’ supporters love watching Tei play; he’s dogged in attack and in defence, always punches above his weight, and you know that he will empty the tank every time he steps onto the field.
“He’s been totally committed to the club over the past decade, but now he has decided the time is right for a change of lifestyle for his family, and a new experience of rugby overseas.
“We are blessed with plenty of depth in the back-row but are also active in our efforts to strengthen in that space ahead of the 2022/23 season. For now, Tei is firmly focused on ensuring that Saints end this campaign on a high note, and we will wish him the best for the future after that.”
Harrison joined Saints after hooker Dylan Hartley spoke of his talents when watching him play in New Zealand, with the player soon making the move.
The back-row said: “I feel humbled to have been a part of Northampton Saints for the last ten years. I love playing for the club, and I love living in Northamptonshire, so this has not been an easy decision for me to make and I’m sure my family and I will come back one day.
“But I’ve been given the opportunity to experience a different league and style of rugby, and my family are looking forward to the new adventure ahead of us.
“Saints will always be a very special club to me. The players and staff here are like my brothers, and I want to thank all the supporters who have given me so many happy memories over the years – I’ll be giving everything I have to finish off this season with some silverware.”