Northampton Saints today confirm that hooker Craig Wright has signed a contract extension with the Club.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 season, making 14 appearances in all competitions – including coming off the bench in the Investec Champions Cup Final at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Wright has already featured in 11 of Saints’ 15 matches so far in the 2025/26 campaign, taking his total to 26 senior appearances in Black, Green and Gold since his debut against Ealing Trailfinders in September 2023.
A product of Saints’ Academy pathway – having joined at just 13 years old after taking up rugby with Braintree RFC a handful of months previously – Wright has also progressed impressively on the international stage.
He has represented England at U18, U19, and U20 levels, including appearances in the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship and the 2024 U20 Six Nations, where England secured the title.
While determined to continue his rise at Club level and help Saints secure silverware this season, Wright also retains strong ambitions to further his international career.
“It was an easy decision for me to stay at Saints,” he said. “This is my home club, it’s where I grew up, and I’ve always felt a real connection to the place.
“I love being part of this group. The detail everyone brings makes such a difference, it lifts the whole standard. At lineout time, having guys like Alex Coles and Tom Lockett running things and spotting the tiny cues makes my job straightforward; hit the throw and get us playing. It’s a brilliant feeling when it all clicks.
“As a team, we’re in a strong position in both the PREM and Europe, and if we keep our consistency and keep driving standards, there’s no reason we can’t challenge for trophies and hopefully add another star to the badge.
“Personally, I also want to push as hard as I can for England selection. That’s a dream for every player. If I keep improving and performing for Saints, then hopefully I can put myself in the frame – and getting to the 2027 World Cup would be an unbelievable ambition to chase.”
Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, is excited about Wright’s development so far in Northampton and the young hooker’s potential looking forward.
He said: “Craig has been an excellent prospect all the way through our Academy pathway and during his England age‑group career, and it’s been brilliant to see that potential really start to show at senior level.
“With more first-team minutes over the last 12 months, he’s grown in confidence and shown exactly what he can do. Physically he’s outstanding – powerful, explosive, and already demonstrating the kind of athletic profile that sets top front rowers apart, which is remarkable for someone his age.
“He’s also a great character within the group. The lads rate him highly, he competes hard in everything, and he earned great praise during his time with England U20s. I think he’ll be on the senior international radar before long.
“There’s still plenty for him to learn, but he’s approaching everything the right way. He’s diligent, he’s hungry, and he works incredibly hard on and off the pitch. With that attitude, his ceiling is very high.”