Ollie Sleightholme said playing for Northampton Saints and England is a dream come true as he penned a new contract that will keep him at the Premiership club for the “foreseeable future”.
Sleightholme, son of former Saints, Bath and England winger Jon, has scored an impressive 47 tries in 81 appearances for Northampton since making his debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2018.
That haul includes four in five matches this season and the winger has carried that form into the international arena.
Steve Borthwick and Jamie George react to loss against Springboks
Steve Borthwick and Jamie George react to loss against Springboks
Following on from a brace in England’s Autumn Nations Series defeat to Australia, Sleightholme marked his first Test start with his third international try against South Africa last weekend.
And although he is yet to taste a Test victory in his four England appearances, Steve Borthwick will be delighted to have his availability secured.
Saints confirmed the news on Tuesday morning, but did not disclose the length of contract Sleightholme has signed.
The club’s statement read: “Ollie Sleightholme has signed a contract extension which sees the England winger remain at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens for the foreseeable future.”
Sleightholme said: “Northampton is always where I’ve wanted to play, ever since I was little. It’s the dream of every kid playing rugby to represent their local club, and to play for their country, and I feel very privileged to be able to do that.
“Being in a position to sign another contract with the club is amazing, and continuing to play with a group of mates I’ve grown up alongside is something I never take for granted.
“The coaches and staff we have at Saints are top class; they give players the freedom to focus on developing and keep getting better. It’s a very healthy environment to play and train in.
“So many people here have helped me bring my game on. Sam Vesty and Jake Sharp coaching the backs for example, and Lee Radford on the defensive side of things. But off the field too, the medical and S&C staff have always been great – people like Kiera Ruddy and Ben Rhodes have always been in my corner and done a lot for me over the years to get me back playing when I needed it, and to keep me at my best.
“I enjoyed some very special moments last season, and I’ll cherish the memories forever of having my family around me, and my baby daughter on the pitch with me, while we achieved what we did as a squad – hopefully there’s more to come this season and beyond.
“Saints’ supporters are the best in the country, and you can’t beat a packed-out cinch Stadium. Regardless of the weather, or the time of year, it’s always rocking, and I can’t wait to run out in front of them for years to come.”
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Sleightholme played a pivotal role in Saints’ run to last season’s Premiership title, the club’s first piece of major silverware in a decade, his 16th try in a prolific season helping Northampton to a 25-21 defeat of Bath in the final.
Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, said: “Ollie is one of those players who has come through our academy, whose association with the club is so strong.
“He’s played incredibly well for us, scoring some unbelievable tries, and it’s so important for us to keep players like him – who are really invested in what we’re trying to do, and also play hard for us, in the environment here.
“Keeping that core group together and making sure we continue to push forwards and improve with them is something we’re always working on. Ollie’s definitely one of those guys who has that out-and-out quality already, but he’s got the potential to keep getting better as well.
“His strike-rate is remarkable, and it’s hard sometimes as a coach here, because everyone in that backline is playing so well and it’s extremely competitive. But Ollie’s consistency is clear to see from his stats and that’s starting to get recognised at international level too which we’re delighted about.
“That recognition is testament to Ollie’s efforts here, and how hard he’s been working with the coaching group. To see him in an England shirt scoring tries is really satisfying, and I have no doubt that there will be plenty more of that to come.”
