Craig signs new Saints deal

I feel very much at home here

Utility forward James Craig on Thursday signed a new contract with the Northampton Saints.

The 23-year-old forward joined the Saints in the summer of 2011 and has so far played 18 times in the club’s first team, including in the 2012 LV= Cup final and Premiership semi-final.

Craig is comfortable at both lock and in the back row, and although injury has cruelly prevented him from adding to his tally of appearances so far in 2012/13, he says he is determined to get fully fit and contributing to the black, green and gold cause as soon as possible.

“It has been a bit frustrating for me in terms of injuries this year, but I’m glad that the coaches have seen past that and seen my potential for the future,” he commented.

“Being a part of the Saints has been a great experience, and hopefully I can get back into the matchday 23 when I get back to fitness.

“Settling into the club has been a steady transition and I feel very much at home here now. It’s a great set of lads, a good crowd, good coaches, and you can’t say more than that.

“Looking forward I know I need to break into the first team. It’s going to be hard; we’ve got quality players across the back five forwards, including a lot of England internationals, but I’m determined to keep improving as much as I can.”

Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder said that Craig is a player who can provide a substantial contribution to the squad in the future.

“James is a talented player who has shown already that he has the ability to compete at the top end of the Premiership Rugby table,” he said. “He can play both in the second row and on the flank, and you need that kind of positional flexibility in the squad.

“We’re very happy that James has signed a new contract with us so early in the season and we’re looking forward to him continuing his development at Franklin’s Gardens.”