Tommy Freeman is a product of Saints’ Academy system, and has progressed to achieve a century of first-team appearances for Northampton, as well as becoming an England international and British & Irish Lion.
He joined Saints ahead of the 2019/20 season after a couple of years in the Academy set-up, having been released by East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers and joined Moulton College’s AASE programme.
Freeman made an immediate impression during his first preseason at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens with a dazzling solo try against Leinster, and then debuted off the bench in the Premiership Rugby Cup versus Sale Sharks. His progression continued apace with a first Premiership appearance, aged just 19, against Bath in 2020.
Comfortable across the back three and capable of slotting into centre, Freeman broke through early, winning the Club’s Breakthrough Player award in 2020/21 and Young Player award the following season. That campaign in 2021/22 featured 14 tries in 18 games, including a hattrick on the season’s final day.
By the 2022/23 season, Freeman was firmly established in Saints’ first team, ending the year as Northampton’s top try-scoring threat and ranking among the Premiership’s most prolific backs. During the 2023/24 campaign he crossed for 14 tries – including the opening score in Saints’ Premiership Final win over Bath – to help deliver the Club’s first league title since 2014 .
Internationally, Freeman earned his first England call-up ahead of the 2021 Autumn Tests, and debuted on the 2022 tour to Australia. He was a regular pick during the 2024 and 2025 Six Nations campaigns, becoming the first England player to score in every round of a Six Nations series in the latter. His impressive form also saw him selection for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.
Off the field, Freeman is celebrated for his resilience, versatility, and game-breaking ability. After overcoming setbacks in his career – initially being released from Leicester and later managing an epilepsy diagnosis – he has emerged as a leader within both Saints’ and England’s playing groups.
