Northampton Saints have announced a compelling new addition to their roster for the forthcoming season, with the acquisition of former NFL prospect George Smith. Standing at an impressive 6ft 8in and weighing 21st 10lb [138kg], Smith brings a commanding presence to the team in the position of lock.
The decision to secure Smith’s services followed a trial in 2023-24, during which he showcased exceptional power and athleticism. Phil Dowon, Northampton’s director of rugby, described Smith as “unbelievably physical” and highlighted his remarkable power-per-kilogram scores, the best the team had witnessed in years.
Smith’s background diverges from the typical academy trajectory often observed in rugby players. Prior to joining Coventry in 2022, he plied his trade with Redcliffians in the fifth tier and represented Somerset in the County Championship. Despite being presented with an opportunity to pursue a career in American football, Smith was drawn back to rugby and readily embraced the offer to join Northampton Saints.
Reflecting on his journey, Smith shared, “I gleaned many valuable lessons from my NFL experience. I am a vastly improved athlete now compared to six or seven months ago. The impact on my athletic development has been immense, propelling me to become bigger, stronger, and quicker.”
Northampton Saints boast a commendable track record of recruiting and nurturing talented players, and Smith is anticipated to be a valuable addition to the team, particularly in light of recent departures. The club has witnessed the departure of several players, including Sam Matavesi, Courtney Lawes, Alex Moon, and Lewis Ludlam, but has also secured several pivotal signings to bolster the team.
In addition to George Smith, Northampton has enlisted the services of Josh Kemeny, Tom West, Archie Benson, Fyn Brown, and Luke Green, underscoring their dedication to constructing a competitive and well-rounded team for the upcoming season.
With these promising developments, supporters of Northampton Saints have much to anticipate as the team gears up to confront new challenges in the forthcoming season. The addition of George Smith in particular injects a new dimension of strength and athleticism into the squad, underscoring the club’s resolve to uphold their success in the Premiership.