Saints sign wing Tom Seabrook from Gloucester

English wing Tom Seabrook has put pen to paper on a deal to join Northampton Saints ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, the Club can today confirm.

The 23-year-old will arrive at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens this summer from Gloucester Rugby, where he progressed through the academy system while also enjoying a stint with Championship side Hartpury University.

Seabrook broke a Gallagher Premiership record back in May 2018, when he scored the fastest try on league debut for the Cherry and Whites against Saracens – crossing the whitewash in just 58 seconds.

He has gone on to score nine more tries in 61 appearances in all competitions for Gloucester, and while he can also line up in the centres when required, Seabrook is relishing the prospect of joining the men in Black, Green and Gold’s stable of back-three players.

“One of the most exciting things about moving to Northampton is the way that the team plays,” Seabrook said. “It’s a really attractive style of rugby, with Saints always topping the charts in line breaks and tries scored.

“As an outside back, that’s something that really appeals to me, and speaking to the coaches there, I know they have the confidence in me to really kick on as a player in the years ahead.

“Phil Dowson and Sam Vesty have already given me quite a clear plan for the next few months, some work-ons in areas they think I can improve, and hopefully I can hit the ground running when I arrive in Northampton.

“I’ve played up at Franklin’s Gardens a few times already and I love the ground – it’s a fast pitch, which I hope will suit me, and a fantastic atmosphere walking through the Fan Village before the games, as you’re right in the mix with the supporters.

“The Club’s training facilities are spot on as well, so I’m really excited to get started in the summer. I feel like I am ready to take the next step in my career, and Saints feels like the perfect environment to do so with the players and staff already on board.”

During his time in Cherry and White, Seabrook also represented England at the 2019 Six Nations Under-20s Championship and 2019 World Rugby Under-20s Championship.

Weighing in at just over 100kgs, the 6ft 0in flyer’s athleticism and physicality are what caught the eye of Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.

Dowson said: “Tom fits the mould of player we often look for at Saints, in terms of being young, English and high potential. He definitely brings an edge too, as he’s very aggressive on either side of the ball.

“He is an athletic, versatile player who can line-up on the wing or in the centres, and he can beat defenders with power or speed which is something we really like about him.

“We can see he works hard on lots of different elements of his game, and he comes to Northampton wanting to compete with the other backs here, showing the self-awareness to get better, and eager to play regular rugby – so he ticks all the right boxes for us.

“It takes a lot for a player to put themselves out of their comfort zone and move from their hometown club where things can be safe and steady. Tom has shown to us he has the ambition to come to Northampton to try and kick on, which speaks volumes about his character.”