Northampton have shaken up their squad on Thursday, releasing locks Gavin Thornbury and Will Spencer however confirming the quick impact signing of Henry Walker, a hooker from Ealing Trailfinders. Thornbury and Spencer had been each short-term signings a couple of months in the past, with Spencer already snapped up by Ospreys forward of their spherical two EPCR Problem Cup recreation this weekend. In the meantime, Robbie Smith’s long-term harm has compelled Saints to hunt out Walker.
An announcement learn: “Northampton can affirm that locks Gavin Thornbury and Will Spencer have each departed the membership following the conclusion of their short-term contracts. Spencer, 32, and Thornbury, 30, linked up in September to supply cowl for Tom Lockett (harm) and Temo Mayanavanua (worldwide obligation).
“Spencer featured in Saints’ Premiership Rugby Cup clashes towards Leicester Tigers and Nottingham, and strikes to Ospreys. In the meantime, Thornbury represented Northampton in these two fixtures, plus one other Cup encounter at Coventry and three Gallagher Premiership matches towards Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears.
“Northampton may also announce that hooker Henry Walker has joined from Ealing Trailfinders with quick impact. The 105kg 26-year-old arrives at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens from the Championship’s second-placed facet to bolster Saints’ ranks at hooker, with Robbie Smith struggling a long-term harm earlier this season.
“Walker is a graduate of Gloucester’s academy, and made 72 aggressive appearances for the Cherry and Whites following his debut at Kingsholm in 2015. He joined Ealing in the summertime of 2023, serving to the facet declare the Championship title the next season.”
Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson mentioned: “Gavin and Will had been solely right here for a short while, however each made an enormous contribution to the squad with some excellent performances on the pitch, and passing on their expertise off it. Each are excellent professionals and set an incredible instance for our youthful gamers to observe.
“Henry is somebody who has performed within the Premiership earlier than and whereas he has been concerned with a powerful Ealing facet not too long ago, he was interested by coming in and testing himself inside our surroundings.
“He’s nonetheless a younger man, and a really highly effective and dynamic hooker. I watched him carefully in coaching on Monday and he already understands the sport – plus he has working good strains and has received good expertise.
“We had to take a look at bringing one other hooker into the group given Robbie’s nasty harm will preserve him out of motion for some time. Curtis (Langdon) has once more been constantly sturdy to this point this season, we have now been delighted with how Craig (Wright) has carried out when he has come into the crew, and Nathan (Langdon) has been taking part in nicely for Bedford too.
“However we felt working with solely three hookers left us a bit gentle, so we’re delighted to usher in somebody of Henry’s calibre and expertise – the set-piece needs to be elementary for a entrance rower and he has received all of the attributes that we’re on the lookout for in that house. We’re trying ahead to attending to know him higher and seeing how he goes.”