Saints keep it in the family as pair re-sign

Northampton Saints have announced that youngsters Ollie Sleightholme and Connor Tupai have signed new deals at Franklin’s Gardens.

The academy graduates have impressed this season, having followed their fathers’ footsteps to run out for the Premiership club.

The length of their deals have not been disclosed but winger Sleightholme, whose dad Jon played for Northampton, wants to develop at the Saints.

“I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of this squad,” he said. “We have a really diverse back three and the competition to play is really high. As a young player, you want to be able to prove yourself amongst the most talented guys.”

🗣️ "What we would have preferred from the start was a lot more dialogue and understanding which is what seems to be happening in football currently." #GallagherPrem

🏉 Clubs criticised over poor communication in wage talks. 👉 https://t.co/yGoyO8xAR8 pic.twitter.com/4hwtokeEAZ

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 15, 2020

Scrum-half Tupai, 20, follows his dad Paul who played three seasons in Northampton’s back-row between 2005 and 2008.

“Obviously I’m thrilled to be staying with Saints and to be given the opportunity to continue to develop myself as a player,” said Tupai.