Ollie Sleightholme signs new contract with Gallagher Premiership club Northampton Saints - 'I feel very privileged'
Updated 20/11/2024 at 15:38 GMT
England winger Ollie Sleightholme has penned a new deal with Gallagher Premiership side Northampton Saints, keeping him at the club for "the foreseeable future". Sleightholme has impressed for club and country this campaign, notching three tries in two England appearances during the Autumn Nations Series - which is being shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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Ollie Sleightholme has signed a new contract with Gallagher Premiership club Northampton Saints.
The length of Sleightholme's new contract has not been disclosed, but the official website said he would remain at the club for the "foreseeable future", while the winger said he is excited to continue with the Saints "for years to come".
Sleightholme enjoyed his most successful campaign in 2023/24, scoring 16 tries in all competitions, including a crucial score against Bath in the Gallagher Premiership final. The 24-year-old, who has impressed for England, helped Saints to their first league title in 10 years.
"Northampton is always where I've wanted to play, ever since I was little," he told club media. "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.
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"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."
Sleightholme has also caught the eye in an England shirt, despite the national team's three defeats in as many matches during their Autumn Nations Series campaign.
The winger has crossed the try line three times in the November clashes, scoring twice in England's defeat to Australia before registering early in their recent defeat to South Africa.
Sleightholme's strong form for England means he will likely feature against Japan in his side's final autumn Test, as head coach Steve Borthwick looks to end the Red Roses' run of five consecutive defeats - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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Phil Dowson, Northampton's director of rugby, hailed Sleightholme's "out-and-out quality", while also acknowledging his potential for further improvement.
Dowson said: "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.
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"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."
Premiership rugby returns on November 29 - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - as Saints look to overturn their indifferent start to the campaign, having won three and lost three of their opening six matches.
Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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