Lock Prowse signs new Northampton contract

Second-row forward Ed Prowse has signed a new contract with Prem leaders Northampton Saints.

The 25-year-old lock came through the club's academy and has made 14 top-flight appearances for Saints since his league debut in 2022-23.

Last season Prowse switched from being a tighthead prop and moved into the second row, playing 11 times, including in Saints' Champions Cup final defeat by Bordeaux Begles.

This term he has made 14 appearances, with half of those in the league, as Saints have claimed eight wins from their 10 Prem matches so far.

"I absolutely love this place. It's my boyhood club, so there wasn't much of a decision to make about staying here – there's nowhere else I'd rather be," said Prowse., external

"The belief [director of rugby] Phil Dowson and the other coaches showed in me when they said I could transition into the second row meant a lot, and that faith has really paid off.

"The move has allowed me to focus more on the things I'm good at, which has been great."

Dowson added: "We always knew Ed could play at an extremely high level.

"He's got a great skillset – he can handle the ball, he hits hard, he works tirelessly around the park, and his set-piece is very strong.

"We're absolutely delighted to keep hold of him."