Tommy Freeman extends Northampton stay after back-to-back Premiership titles

Tommy Freeman has signed a contract extension with Northampton Saints, keeping the England and British & Irish Lions back at Franklin’s Gardens beyond his existing deal, which had one season remaining. The 25-year-old has made 118 appearances for the club and scored 79 tries since joining.

Freeman has been central to Northampton’s recent dominance, scoring in both of their Premiership final victories — against Bath in 2024 and Exeter Chiefs in 2026 — and was part of the squad that reached the Investec Champions Cup final in 2025. He also toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2025.

Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson was unequivocal in his assessment of the player’s standing in the game. “Tommy is an exceptional player and undoubtedly one of the best back-three players in the world,” Dowson said. “The fact he has also performed at outside centre at international level speaks volumes about both his quality and versatility.”

Dowson added that Freeman’s decision to commit early in the recruitment cycle was a significant signal for the club’s ambitions. “He’s the sort of player who can change a match in an instant. He has all the physical attributes you could want, but it’s his rugby intelligence, skillset and confidence that really set him apart.”

Freeman, who can operate across the back three and in midfield, said the environment at Northampton was the decisive factor. “Saints is a special place. We’ve got an incredible group of lads, a brilliant coaching set-up, and it’s the environment where I believe I can keep developing and get the best out of myself as a player.”

He also pointed to the club’s unfinished ambitions as a motivating force. “We’ve won two PREM titles, reached a European final, and we don’t think we’re finished yet. There are some exciting players coming into the group, and this is a squad that will only continue to grow with more experience and time together.”

Freeman’s extension follows similar renewals for England backs Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith and Fraser Dingwall, as well as lock Alex Coles. Flanker Henry Pollock remains the notable name yet to finalise a new deal with the club.