Northampton seal permanent deal for loosehead Els after successful trial

Northampton Saints have confirmed a permanent contract for loosehead prop Jordan Els, securing the 29-year-old South African through the end of the 2026/27 season after an initial trial period at Franklin’s Gardens.

Els arrived at DPD Stadium over the summer as emergency cover, with Saints short of front-row options due to injuries to Oliver Scola and Luke Green and the international commitments of Emmanuel Iyogun and Danilo Fischetti. He made his Saints debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup against his former club Harlequins in September.

Born in KwaZulu-Natal, Els came through the Sharks Academy before moving into senior rugby in 2018. He crossed to the Northern Hemisphere mid-season to join Championship side Ealing Trailfinders, then earned a move to Harlequins the following year. In seven seasons at The Stoop, he made 58 first-team appearances and was part of the squad that won the Premiership title in 2021 before a period of injury disrupted his progress.

Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson credited assistant Jaco Pienaar — who had previously worked with Els at the Sharks — for providing the inside knowledge that made the signing possible.

“We were looking for cover in the front row and, having bounced back from a period of injury of his own at Harlequins, Jordan was looking for a chance to get back playing consistently and show what he could do,” Dowson said.

“Jaco Pienaar had worked with him during his time at the Sharks, so he already knew the qualities Jordan would bring and the type of person he is. Having had the chance to work with him ourselves over the last few months, we’d completely echo everything Jaco told us.”

Dowson added that Els had impressed with his attitude as much as his ability on the field. “Jordan is a hard worker, he drives high standards every day, and he’s embraced the opportunity here from the moment he arrived. We’re delighted to keep him with us for the rest of the season and look forward to seeing how he continues to develop and contribute to the group.”