'We can achieve great things together', says Hendy as he stays with Saints
George Hendy says he has signed a new contract at Saints because he and his team-mates have ‘a real belief that we can achieve great things together’.
The hugely talented 23-year-old has become the latest key man to put pen to paper on a fresh deal, following in the footsteps of the likes of Alex Mitchell and Fraser Dingwall.
“I love everything about this club,” Hendy said.
“The group we have here is so special. There’s a real belief that we can achieve great things together, and that’s a huge part of why I’m staying.
“Every time I pull on a Saints shirt, I feel myself improving. The coaching team’s growth mindset pushes us to get better every day – and Sam Vesty and Jake Sharp have been massively influential in my development.”
Hendy’s path into professional rugby was far from conventional. After being released from Worcester Warriors’ Academy, he was picked up by Saints, initially featuring predominantly as a centre.
But after catching the eye at full-back for Saints’ Under-18s side, he earned his first full-time contract in the summer of 2021 – and has not looked back since.
The former KES Stratford student, who played junior rugby for Shipston-on-Stour RFC alongside future Saints team-mate Fin Smith, made a try-scoring debut against London Irish in the PREM Rugby Cup in November 2021.
After his first three senior appearances, he had already touched down four times – adding scores against Harlequins and a memorable brace away to Saracens.
A Gallagher PREM debut followed against Bristol Bears in April 2022, before Hendy made his first league start against the same opposition later that year in October.
The explosive back also built his experience with a successful loan stint with Saints’ partner club, Bedford Blues.
His breakthrough arrived during the 2023/24 campaign, in which he played more rugby than ever before. Across 25 appearances, Hendy delivered consistently outstanding performances – culminating in a player-of-the-match display in the Gallagher PREM final, helping to end Saints’ 10-year wait for league silverware by making the break that set-up Mitchell’s match-winning try.
Hendy has also progressed through the international ranks, representing England Under-20s in the 2022 Six Nations and Summer Series.
In February 2025, he featured for England A against Ireland A at Ashton Gate, coming off the bench before earning his first start for the side later that year against Spain.
And Hendy is now looking forward to continuing his journey at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens during the years ahead.
“Following the path of players I looked up to as a kid, progressing from the Academy into the senior squad, and doing it alongside some of my best mates has been incredibly special,” he said.
“There’s a big group of lads I grew up with – people like Tom Lockett, Craig Wright, Toby Thame and Tom Litchfield – and breaking through with them has been amazing.
“But now there’s a real desire for us to take the reins and grow into leadership roles. Becoming a core member of this Saints squad, and being a role model for younger players coming through the same pathway, is something I’m really striving for.
“Playing for your country is every player’s ambition, and I truly believe Saints is the best place for me to push towards England honours. Being around so many guys thriving in that environment drives me forwards.
“Above everything, I want to make more memories with this group. Reaching the European final last year was huge, but we want to go further.
“We want to repeat what we did in the PREM two seasons ago, and I’m determined to be part of that journey.”