The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Hutchinson and Lawes commit to Northampton
Scotland centre Rory Hutchinson is among 19 players to sign contract extensions with Northampton as Courtney Lawes ended speculation about his future.
The 31-year-old Lawes, who has made 231 appearances for the club since emerging as an academy graduate, had been linked with a big-money move to France.
But Saints confirmed the England star is one of 19 players, also including Hutchinson, to commit his future to the club.
Five more internationals have agreed new deals – Lewis Ludlam, Teimana Harrison, Piers Francis, George Furbank and Wales fly-half Dan Biggar.
Three players who emulated Lawes in rising through the academy to receive England callups – Alex Mitchell, Alex Moon and Fraser Dingwall – have also agreed to stay at Franklin’s Gardens.
The other players to become the latest to agree new deals are Alex Waller, Mikey Haywood, David Ribbans, James Grayson, Ehren Painter, James Fish, and Lewis Bean, plus Alex Coles and Samson Ma’asi who have signed their first senior contracts.
Saints director of rugby Chris
Boyd said: “Getting so many influential players bought in to what we’re trying to achieve, and committed to staying with us for an additional two or three years, is a huge coup for Saints.
“The connection and co-operation of our players to back the club long-term has been great to see.
“We firmly believe we have the players in place already at Franklin’s Gardens to compete at the very highest level of English and European rugby, and to challenge for every trophy available to us.”