Graduate Fish out to show he can replace Hartley one day
ARMED with a new twoyear contract, Northampton hooker James Fish aims to prove that when the time comes, there will be life after Dylan Hartley at Franklin’s Gardens.
Fish – an aggressive, 108 kilo bundle of energy – is among a squadron of Saints academy graduates being given their head in a season of evolution by rugby direc- tor Chris Boyd.
At 22, Fish might be deemed a late developer. However, the former Derby player has done the hard yards for Saints’ two-time winning A-League team and on loan at National One side Ampthill, while learning at the shoulder of Hartley. In other words, he feels ready.
Fish, who will make his seventh Premiership appearance of the season against Wasps today, told
The Rugby Paper: “It’s been a breakthrough campaign for me. I’ve certainly had my fair share of opportunities and it’s good the coaches have put trust in me.
“My Premiership debut at Gloucester at the start of the season was my biggest challenge because you don’t get much mercy there with the whole Shed terrace getting stuck into you. They’re passionate, to put it politely, but I came through it having done pretty well.
“It’s made things a lot better this season knowing you’ll get an opportunity. Myself, Dylan, Mikey Haywood and Reece Marshall are not so much fighting for spots because Boydy’s made it clear he’s going to rotate – it’s healthy competition that’s driving us on.”
Fish makes no bones about the level he aims to reach, adding: “Working with the England captain (Hartley) shows you the standards you’ve got to get to. I’ve done lots of work with him and he’s brilliant – it’s the level you want to be at and I’m learning.
“I played 40 games for Ampthill and they helped me a lot, but I’d like to think my loan days are over now and I’ll be staying here and playing for the first team.”
As for the new contract, Fish says: “It’s my first proper professional contract and I was overwhelmed. I didn’t think twice because I’ve no reason to go elsewhere.”