Former Northampton Saints fan favourite bags first head coach role
Rugby NewsTuesday, 19 May 2020 at 15:48
Former Northampton Saints flanker Ben Nutley is the new head coach at Luton RFC.
The number eight enjoyed a strong career at Franklin's Gardens, making 83 appearances for the first team.
Nutley was part of the double-winning squad of 2013/14, playing 13 times during the campaign as Saints won the Premiership and European Challenge Cup.
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The 28-year-old is now looking forward to taking charge of his hometown club Luton.
“It’s a pleasure coming back to my club having many memorable playing experiences as a youngster," Nutley said.
"There are lots of exciting things going on off the field, and the task ahead is to emulate that on the field.”
LIST | 5 players Leicester could sign following 21 departures
Adam Thompstone and Australia international Tatafu Polota-Nau are among eight further players who will depart Leicester Tigers at the end of the season.
EW Viljoen and Joe Thomas are the other two backs moving on, while Will Spencer, Gaston Cortes, Sione Kalamafoni and Owen Hills will also leave Welford Road when the season ends.
Todays announcement takes their total number of leavers to 21.
Here we look at five signings the Tigers may make to strengthen ahead of the 2020/21 Premiership season.
1. George Kruis
A decade after his debut for Saracens, the 29-year-old Lion from Guildford is understood to be considering a career move to the Far East, having been there last autumn for the World Cup.
However, if the Tigers could convince Kruis to remain in the Gallagher Premiership and come to Welford Road, he would make their line-out imperious.
A game-changer.
2. Alex Lewington
With Saracens urgently trying to reduce their wage bill, Tigers, who now have only four wingers, should attempt to bring the speedster back to Welford Road.
He departed Tigers in 2013 as a lightweight winger who had failed to make his mark after progressing through the clubs academy.
Since then, he's bulked up a bit but kept his speed, developing into one of the Premiership's most deadly finishers for Saracens, who he joined following successful stints with Nottingham and London Irish.
Bringing him back to Welford Road would be a great piece of business.
3. Jimmy Gopperth
This summer he turns 37, and with Ryan Mills being recruited from Worcester Warriors, it means it’s unlikely he’ll stay with Wasps. Another player with an abundance of experience who'd offer as much off the pitch as on it.
4. Marland Yarde
Tigers were linked with the England international speedster before the quarantine began.
There was then a report from The Rugby Paper that he’d signed a new deal with Sale, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
If Tigers can get him in, the 27-year-old would guarantee tries as long as he remains fit.
Absolutely a player to consider.
5. Logovi’i Mulipola
Following their releases, Tigers have only four tightheads on their books
Bringing the Samoan prop, who can play on both sides of the scrum, back to Welford Road could be a very decent signing.
The 33-year-old's versatility, experience and scrummaging pedigree would make him a fantastic addition.
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