Born in Beverley, England, James Craig is a hard-working, dynamic back row forward who is also comfortable operating at lock. His professional career began at Leeds Carnegie before moving on to Northampton Saints in the Premiership where he is fast developing into a quality forward.
After an impressive first season in the East Midlands saw him reach the 2012 Anglo-Welsh Cup final with Saints, injuries curtailed his progress over the next two campaigns, but he did collect two winners’ medals in 2014 for playing a role in Northampton’s European Challenge Cup and Premiership successes.
These injuries continued during the 2013/14 season but a string of impressive performances in the knock out stages of the Amlin Challenge Cup put him right back in contention for regular first team rugby at Saints.
Able to play in both the second row and back row, James is a versatile player who has also racked up a number of appearances in the European Cup and Aviva Premiership.
James received his first call up to the England Saxons in May 2016 as part of their squad to tour South Africa.
The Saints second row confirmed he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2018/19 season to pursue a career in coaching.
The towering lock made 73 appearances to date in the Black, Green and Gold jersey since arriving at Franklin’s Gardens from Leeds Carnegie in 2011.
Craig has been assisting with the training of Northampton’s Academy sides over the past four seasons, and will now look to move into coaching on a full-time basis.
Career
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Northampton Saints Coach |
2023 - present |
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Leeds Tykes Openside Flanker |
2007 - 2011 |
