Graham & Millar Mills to leave Northampton Saints

Prem leaders Northampton Saints have announced that both Sam Graham and Elliot Millar Mills will leave the club at the end of the season.

Back row Graham, 28, arrived from Doncaster Knights in 2022, and has made 63 Saints appearances so far, scoring eight tries.

Tighthead prop Millar Mills, 33, initially joined Northampton towards the end of the 2022-23 season on trial, and signed a full-time deal in May 2023.

Millar Mills has made 45 Saints appearances as well as earning 11 international caps for Scotland - with Newcastle Red Bulls announcing later on Thursday he will join them next season.

"Both Sam and Elliot have made significant contributions to our environment," Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson told the club website, external.

"Sam came in from Doncaster and has grown immensely. He's now one of the most effective and consistent back‑row operators in the league, playing a key role in our Premiership title win.

"Despite a significant long‑term injury last season, he showed his character by attacking his rehab diligently, and he is now back to his best again.

"Elliot's story is unique. After the demise of Wasps he nearly fell out of the game, initially joining us on trial, but he departs the club as a Scotland international.

"We're proud of his progress. He has become a prop who is effective all over the park, fitting well with how we want to play the game."

Northampton are currently top of the early Prem table after nine matches, and are hoping to repeat their title triumph of 2024.

"I'm incredibly grateful to Saints for the opportunity they gave me at a time when things were pretty uncertain in my career," Millar Mills said.

"Walking through the doors here and being welcomed the way I was is something I'll never forget.

"For now, my focus is fully on helping the lads finish this season as strongly as possible. I'm committed to giving everything for the group for the remainder of my time here."

Graham's four seasons at Franklin's Gardens, meanwhile, also saw him handed the captaincy for a number of Premiership Rugby Cup matches.

"Coming in from a Champ club to an environment like this was a dream come true, and since then we've won a Prem title and created some amazing memories – being part of that group and that journey is something I'll always treasure," he said.

"I've loved my time at Saints, but it feels like the right moment to take the next step. That said, I still feel I've got plenty left to give."