Saracens secure Nick Tompkins' long-term commitment as he goes on loan in Wales
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Wales' centre Nick Tompkins has committed his long-term future at Saracens but will spend a season on loan at Dragons, the club confirmed on Friday.
The 25-year-old – who made his international debut earlier this year - has put pen to paper to join the Men of Gwent from English Premiership side Saracens on a season-long loan deal.
Tompkins made his debut for Saracens back in 2012 having joined the club's Academy that same year. He debuted in the LV= Cup against Leicester Tigers with a Premiership debut followed in 2014 against the same opposition.
Tompkins played in every single Premiership fixture in the 2018/19 season, contributing 11 tries in what was a tremendous defence of the title. And he also proved just as important in Europe that season, scoring key tries against Lyon and Glasgow Warriors as Sarries went on to earn a third Champions Cup triumph.
His excellent form in the first half of the 2019/20 season earned Tompkins an international call-up with Wales for the 2020 Six Nations, during which he scored his first try on debut and featured in all four games during the 2020 Six Nations.
“I love this place, it’s my home. I wanted to sign my future here and make sure I can be here long-term,” said Tompkins, who has made 118 appearances for Saracens.
“The friendships and the bonds you make have been brilliant and also the working relationships I have with the coaches have been brilliant. They’ve made me the player I am.
“It’s going to be a fantastic year next year for the boys, I know they are going to be brilliant. I will be there for every single one of them.”
🚨SIGNING | Welcome to @dragonsrugby 🐉👀⤵️
— Dragons 🏉 (at 🏡) (@dragonsrugby) June 26, 2020
NICK TOMPKINS!!! 🙌#BringYourFire🔥 pic.twitter.com/IFWKNiihNY
Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: “We are thrilled that Nick has confirmed his long-term commitment to stay at the club.
“As a youngster in our Academy it was clear that Nick was a player of real potential and we have enjoyed watching him grow and develop both on the field and as a young man.
“As a club we are delighted that Nick has chosen to continue to realise his potential with Saracens.”
Tompkins has won four English Premiership titles and three European Champions Cup titles during his career with Saracens.
Tompkins said: “I am really looking forward to joining the Dragons.
“The region is clearly making great progress, under the guidance of Dean Ryan, and I am really excited about contributing to the cause.”
Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby, said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome a player of Nick’s calibre to the region.
“He has enjoyed success in a Saracens shirt and he brings that winning mentality and attitude, as well as enjoying a fresh environment and competition in which to challenge himself.
“Nick’s experience will undoubtedly bring out the best in those around him in our squad and we know he will leave an indelible mark on his time at Rodney Parade.”
