Talented young duo sign new deals at Saints

Wing Ollie Sleightholme and scrum-half Connor Tupai today became the latest duo to commit their futures to the club.

The Academy graduates, who are both 20 years old, have impressed in the first team so far this season, having followed in their fathers’ footsteps to run out at the Gardens.

Sleightholme first linked up with the Academy seven years ago, and progressed through the ranks to make his full debut last season. He took just 15 seconds to score on his first Gallagher Premiership appearance, against Wasps.

That kicked off a superb run of scoring for the fleet-footed winger, with Sleightholme currently boasting 10 tries in just 17 first-team appeances so far.

Son of former Saints and England wing Jon, he also boasts international honours having represented England Sevens in the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, and England Under-20s in 2019 and 2020.

“I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of this squad," Sleightholme said.

"We have a really diverse back three and the competition to play is really high – as a young player, you want to be able to prove yourself amongst the most talented guys.

“This group got a taste of winning silverware again last season and now we’re pushing on for more of the same.

"It’s such a special feeling to know the town is behind us every time we run out at Franklin’s Gardens, so we want to deliver for them week in, week out.”

Tupai made his first-team debut in last season’s Premiership Rugby Cup, but has really made his breakthrough during this campaign.

Saints boss Chris Boyd has trusted the Rotorua-born No.9 in several key clashes this term – including Premiership victories over Worcester Warriors and Harlequins, as well as both Champions Cup ties against Leinster.

“Obviously I’m thrilled to be staying with Saints and to be given the opportunity to continue to develop myself as a player,” said Tupai.

“The culture within the squad is incredible, the coaches have a brilliant track record of bringing through young players, and the club means an awful lot to my family and I – so it was an easy decision to sign on again, as Saints ticks every box for me.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper when you do your weekly shop.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you