Jordan Els extends Northampton Saints stay

Northampton Saints have confirmed that loosehead prop Jordan Els has signed a deal to remain with the club until the end of the 2026/27 season following a successful trial period.

The 29-year-old joined Saints over the summer when the club was short of front-row options because of injuries and international commitments.

Els earns deal after successful trial

Els arrived at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens while Oliver Scola and Luke Green were sidelined and Emmanuel Iyogun and Danilo Fischetti were away on international duty.

He made his Northampton debut in September, starting against former club Harlequins in Saints’ second PREM Rugby Cup fixture of the season.

Having impressed during his initial spell, Els has now secured a contract for the remainder of the campaign.

From Sharks pathway to Harlequins

Els developed through the Sharks Academy before moving into senior rugby in South Africa and later joining Championship side Ealing Trailfinders during the 2018/19 season.

He moved to Harlequins midway through the following campaign.

Els made 16 appearances across all competitions during Harlequins’ 2020/21 title-winning season, including 14 league appearances as the club secured the PREM crown.

He went on to make 58 first-team appearances for Harlequins across seven seasons and also spent time gaining additional playing experience with London Scottish.

Dowson praises Els impact

Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said Els had taken his opportunity after arriving at the club looking to rebuild momentum following his own injury problems at Harlequins.

“Bringing Jordan in over the summer was a great opportunity for both him and the Club.

"We were looking for cover in the front row and, having bounced back from a period of injury of his own at Harlequins, Jordan was looking for a chance to get back playing consistently and show what he could do.

“Jaco Pienaar had worked with him during his time at the Sharks, so he already knew the qualities Jordan would bring and the type of person he is. Having had the chance to work with him ourselves over the last few months, we’d completely echo everything Jaco told us.

“Jordan is a hard worker, he drives high standards every day, and he’s embraced the opportunity here from the moment he arrived".