Tyro Saints centre on mission to impress after injury

GIFTED Northampton midfielder Rory Hutchinson is desperate to prove to boss Chris Boyd why he is worthy of a new contract.

Hutchinson, equally comfortable as a second playmaker or in the heavy traffic at No.13, has suffered rotten luck with injury.

A back problem ruled him out for a large chunk of last season before PCL knee damage cost him the first half of this campaign.

“I injured my PCL five minutes into the final game of pre-season and that was a big setback,” Hutchinson, 22, told The Rugby Paper. “But I got back for the Dragons game last month and I’m ready to take my chance with both hands now.

“My contract’s up this season so it’s an important few months. I just want to keep my head down and any opportunities I can get, go in all guns blazing. Chris has told me I’m going to get my chance and he wants to see what I’ve got.

“It’s an exciting time for Saints and I want to be part of that future. Watching a team of young boys coming through as well and seeing all of them signing new contracts and being kept on, it’s something I’m desperate to emulate.”

Hutchinson started against Timisoara on Friday night in a Saints side that contained 11 academy products, including himself. He said: “To see how well guys like Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell, Lewis Ludlam and Ehren Painter are doing is great for the club.

“It gives you a bit more appetite for the fight because you know that if you get a chance and take it, the coaches will keep faith.”

An attacking player by nature, Cambridge-born Hutchinson is appreciative of the philosophy of Boyd and attack coach Sam Vesty, who arrived from Worcester in the summer.

He added: “Sam’s come in and changed our attack a lot. Our knowledge of the game is a lot better and our attack is more potent.

“A lot of it is down to basics – movement, catch, pass, draw a man – but it’s enjoyable to play and we’re starting to see results.”