Northampton confirm the signing of England and Saracens star
Rugby NewsWednesday, 27 May 2020 at 22:04
It's been confirmed that England and Saracens lock Nick Isiekwe is joining Northampton Saints on a year-long loan for the 2020/21 campaign.
The news was announced to 1,000 supporters during Wednesday evening's online season ticket holders' forum, which involved Saints boss Chris Boyd, CEO Mark Darbon and chairman John White.
An official club announcement on the Isiekwe signing is expected early on Thursday morning.
The lock made his Saracens debut aged 18 and a mere year later was earning his first international cap for England.
Prior to that, he plied his trade at Old Albanian before joining the Sarries Academy and represented his country from Under-16 to Under-20 level.
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Trialling many positions in that time, Isiekwe was tried at prop, centre, back row and lock – his height dictating the latter would be the preferred outcome.
The Hemel Hempstead-born forward’s breakthrough season for the Men in Black came in 2017/18 after making his international debut on England’s tour of Argentina. His consistent performances led to a starting role in the Premiership final against Exeter Chiefs which ended victorious.
Isiekwe has already featured over 50 times for his boyhood club, but will leave this summer following their relegation.
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LIST | 5 players from abroad who could be capped by England in the future
These five have shown enough ability or promise to suggest they may be future England stars in waiting.
Foreign-born stars, such as Nathan Hughes and the Vunipola brothers, have already shown how integral they can be for the Red Rose after making the step up to International rugby.
Here are five players who could pull on the white jersey in the future:
1. Ruan Ackermann – Gloucester (South Africa)
His Dad Johan Ackermann, who departed as Gloucester boss for Japan earlier this month, confirmed that his son will be staying with the Cherry & Whites to persue international honours, and has already been in contact with Eddie Jones. The imposing number eight qualify for England on residency grounds in August 2020 -- just four months before World Rugby's new eligibility laws kick in.
2. Jason Woodward - Gloucester (New Zealand)
The New Zealand‑born full-back who joined Gloucester from Bristol in the summer has already been included in an England training squad. With Eddie Jones revealing he is looking for competition for George Furbank at full-back, Woodward could find himself winning his first full cap at some point in the future.
3. Ratu Naulago - Bristol Bears (Fiji)
The speedster took Super League by storm with Hull RFC, scoring 17 tries in 26 games, before signing with Bristol Bears for the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season. It will be a switch back to union for Naulago, who previously won the Premiership 7s title with Saracens. If he can hit the ground running, he'd be right in the frame for a call-up from Eddie Jones.
4. Cameron Redpath - Bath Rugby (France)
The son of 60-cap Scotland legend Bryan Redpath, centre Cameron was born in Narbonne, France. He was selected in England's 34-man squad for their 2018 tour of South Africa but was unable to travel with the squad because of injury. The 20-year-old, who recently departed Sale Sharks for Bath Rugby, has also represented England U20, scoring three tries in nine appearances.
5. Gerbrandt Grobler - Gloucester (South Africa)
Whether England would consider him as and when he becomes eligible remains to be seen but Grobler maintains an ambition to play at the highest level. “Obviously you wouldn’t turn it down [if Eddie Jones called]. I don’t think anyone would. You’ve got to have belief in yourself, otherwise why are you playing this game? You’ve got to have ambitions and goals but I’ll keep them to myself. There is always hope.”
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