NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SIGN HOOKER HENRY WALKER

Northampton Saints today announce that hooker Henry Walker has joined the Club from Ealing Trailfinders with immediate effect.

The 105kg 26-year-old arrives at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens from the Championship’s second-placed side to bolster Saints’ ranks at hooker, with Robbie Smith suffering a long-term injury earlier this season.

Walker is a graduate of Gloucester Rugby’s academy, and made 72 competitive appearances for the Cherry and Whites following his debut at Kingsholm in 2015.

He joined Ealing in the summer of 2023, helping the side claim the Championship title the following season.

Starting his career at Old Silhillians and captaining Bromsgrove School, the hooker has also earned age-grade international honours with England – playing for the Under-16s, Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-20s, representing his country at the 2018 World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

“Henry is someone who’s played in the Premiership before, and while he’s been involved with a strong Ealing side recently, he was interested in coming in and testing himself within our environment,” said Saints Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.

“He’s still a young man, and a very powerful and dynamic hooker. I watched him closely in training on Monday, and he already understands the game – plus he’s running good lines, and he’s got good skills.

“We had to look at bringing another hooker into the group given Robbie’s nasty injury will keep him out of action for a while. Curtis [Langdon] has again been consistently strong so far this season, we’ve been delighted with how Craig [Wright] has performed when he’s come into the team, and Nathan [Langdon] has been playing well for Bedford too.

“But we felt operating with only three hookers left us a little light, so we’re delighted to bring in someone of Henry’s calibre and experience – the set piece has to be fundamental for a front rower, and he’s got all the attributes that we’re looking for in that space.

“We’re looking forward to getting to know him better, and seeing how he goes.”

THORNBURY AND SPENCER DEPART SAINTS

Northampton Saints can also confirm that locks Gavin Thornbury and Will Spencer have both departed the Club following the conclusion of their short-term contracts.

Spencer, 32, and Thornbury, 30, linked-up with the men in Black, Green and Gold in September to provide cover for Tom Lockett (injury) and Temo Mayanavanua (international duty).

Spencer featured in Saints’ Premiership Rugby Cup clashes against Leicester Tigers and Nottingham, and moves to United Rugby Championship side, Ospreys.

Meanwhile Thornbury represented Northampton in those two fixtures, plus another Cup encounter at Coventry and three Gallagher Premiership matches against Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears.

“Gavin and Will were only here for a short time, but both made a big contribution to the squad at Saints with some very good performances on the pitch, and passing on their experience off it,” said Dowson.

“Both are superb professionals and set a great example for our younger players to follow. So, we thank Gav and Spenny for their efforts in Northampton and they depart Saints with our best wishes for the future.”