Northampton lock in Tom Pearson on new deal after back-to-back Premiership titles

Tom Pearson has signed a new contract with Northampton Saints, securing the back-rower’s future at Franklin’s Gardens beyond the 2025/26 season in which the club claimed its second Premiership title in three years.

The 26-year-old joined Saints from London Irish in the summer of 2023 and made an immediate impression, contributing to a first Gallagher Premiership title in a decade in his debut campaign. He followed that up with a run to the Investec Champions Cup Final the following season, before registering 22 appearances and six tries as Northampton lifted the trophy again in 2025/26.

Director of Rugby Phil Dowson left little doubt about how highly the club values the former England international. “Keeping Tom at the club was a huge priority for us,” Dowson said. “Statistically, he’s right up there among the best back rowers in the league, but what stands out most is his desire to keep improving. He’s constantly looking for ways to get better, and that mindset fits perfectly with what we’re all about as a club.”

Dowson also highlighted Pearson’s physical attributes and the technical strides he has made under the coaching staff. “Physically, he’s an exceptional athlete. His ability to beat defenders, his power, speed and skill level make him a real handful, but there are also elements of his game that he’s worked tirelessly on with the coaches — particularly James Craig. His work around the maul, both in attack and defence, has improved enormously.”

Pearson, who earned his sole England cap in a Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture against Wales in August 2023, made clear that international ambitions remain a driving force alongside his club commitments. “Getting back into the England set-up remains a huge motivation for me,” he said. “I feel like I’ve got unfinished business there and it’s something I’m determined to push for again this season.”

The player was equally emphatic about why he chose to stay at Northampton rather than test the market. “Since joining Saints, I’ve felt completely at home. I genuinely feel like this club has brought the best out of me as a player,” Pearson said. “We’re ambitious. We’re proud of what we achieved last year, but we’ve parked that now and are fully focused on what comes next.”

The renewal is a significant piece of squad-building for Dowson as Northampton look to sustain a period of domestic dominance that has seen them emerge as the Premiership’s standout side across the past three seasons.