Kemeny outlines 'massive factor' in his decision to stay at Saints
Josh Kemeny says the welcome he’s had since arriving at Saints was a ‘massive factor’ in him signing a new deal with the club.
On Wednesday morning, it was announced that the 27-year-old had put pen to paper on a contract extension.
It was a big new year boost for Saints as Kemeny has become a hugely influential member of the back row since arriving from Melbourne Rebels in the summer of 2024.
The Australian flanker immediately hit the ground running in black, green and gold, scoring six tries in 21 appearances during his debut season in Northampton.
Kemeny picked up an Investec Champions Cup runners-up medal last term, starting the final in Cardiff against Union Bordeaux Bègles.
His standout performances also saw him collect both of the coveted players’ player of the season and coaches’ player of the season prizes at the club’s 2024/25 awards evening.
After an injury sidelined him at the start of the current campaign, Kemeny has made up for lost time since returning, scoring in both of his most recent outings, against Vodacom Bulls and Sale Sharks – the latter featuring a spectacular, side-stepping finish from outside the 22 which underlined his explosiveness and power.
And Kemeny feels there is much more to come for him and Saints in the years ahead.
“I feel like I am just getting started here at Saints,” Kemeny said.
“I feel like I have improved as a player since being here and I have been a part of some incredibly exciting fixtures.
"We’ve got more to give and more to achieve, and I want to be part of that.
“My welcome into the club, and into the town, was amazing. From the boys in the squad and the coaching staff to the wider community and everyone connected to Saints, I don’t think I could have been made to feel more at home. That’s been a massive factor in my decision to stay.
“It’s definitely hard being away from my family in Australia, but they’ve also been the ones telling me this is the right place for me and that I shouldn’t go anywhere, because Northampton is a special place too.
“On an individual level, I’m really focused on improving and bettering my ability to perform well here for Saints, and also to strive for international honours.
“We have a clear goal to win silverware in Europe and in the PREM. The boys are ambitious; ambitious to win, and ambitious to raise a trophy again.”