It’s been a whirlwind of a first two weeks for one of Northampton Saints’ newest additions, Josh Taylor – with a first experience of top-flight rugby an exciting prospect for the back rower.
Taylor arrived at Franklin’s Gardens over the summer, having played all of his adult rugby for Ealing Trailfinders before making the switch. Still just 24, the back rower brings a host of experience to Northampton, having captained Ealing on several occasions in his 42 appearances there while also calling himself a two-time CHAMP winner.
But this term, Taylor finds himself in the home of the reigning Gallagher PREM champions and is relishing getting started in Black, Green and Gold.
“It’s been really good,” said Taylor of his first few weeks at Saints.
“I had a bit of a different start because I had a shoulder operation after last season. It meant I came into Saints a bit earlier and met the whole physio team and all the S&C staff.
“I met some of the long-term rehab guys who were in over the five weeks off, and in a weird kind of way, it was nice because it built me into it before everyone came back in.
“It’s a really nice, chilled environment with all of the lads and the coaches, so you can just slot in so easily.
“It’s not been hard at all for someone like me, who probably struggles with new environments because I’ve never really done it that much. It’s been so easy, and I’ve got the lads and coaches to thank for that.
“You wouldn’t in any way think they’ve just won a PREM, and that’s probably the best way of describing it because they’re such grounded lads and they really allow you to get in the group really easily.”
It’s that drive to keep performing at the highest level that drew Taylor to Northampton, and, as an ambitious player himself, achieving his goals, making memories, and hopefully lifting some silverware, is something the back row wants to do in a Saints shirt.
He said: “I was at Ealing for five years, so I got quite established and we had a good group of lads there.
“But as soon as the opportunity came up and I met the coaches, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
“It’s that next step, and you’re rarely going to get the opportunity, especially to come to the reigning PREM champs. It was a no-brainer for my career.
“You ask around some of the lads who have been here in this environment, and they’re just like, 100 per cent yes.
“The coaching team, the boys, everyone makes the culture amazing.
“I want to win, and I don’t think there’s anything better than coming to the PREM champs who are used to that feeling.”