Northampton Saints sign Robbie Smith and Sam Graham

Northampton Saints have announced the signing of forwards Sam Graham and Robbie Smith ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Graham started his rugby career with Chippenham RFC before joining Bath’s Academy and then Bristol. He also had a loan stint with Hartpury making 15 appearances for them.

The 24-year-old also has played 28 times for Doncaster Knights over the last two seasons and was named club captain ahead of the 2021/22 campaign. He also went on to win the Players’ and Coaches’ Player of the Year award on his first outing with the Knights.

Meanwhile, Smith was part of Glasgow's Academy and had represented Scotland at Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 levels. The 23-year-old made a switch to Bedford Blues ahead of the 2019/20 season and most recently was part of Newcastle Falcons making 10 appearances for them.

"Sam is one of the most powerful ball-carriers and tacklers in the Championship," said incoming Director of Rugby Phil Dowson.

"He's very athletic but what impressed me most was his ambition and his journey; he has worked so hard to forge a career for himself in rugby," said defence coach Phil Dowson, who will take over as director of rugby following the current campaign.

"I spoke to Mike Rayer at Bedford Blues about Robbie, and he was very complimentary about his attitude. He's a really good set-piece forward, and around the park he has the potential to be really effective as well in both defence and attack."