Lewis Ludlam pens new deal with Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints have confirmed that back-row Lewis Ludlam has penned a new two-year deal with the Gallagher Premiership club.

Ludlam was picked by the Saints' Academy in 2009 at the age of 13 and made his debut in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and Premiership debut for the club during the 2017/18 season where he steered Northampton Wanderers to their second consecutive Premiership Rugby A League title.

“I’m still living out my dream every day here with Northampton Saints, playing for my childhood club,” he said.

“So I’m really excited to sign on again and to continue to learn from Chris Boyd and the brilliant group of back-rowers we have here at the Gardens.

“It’s a fantastic place to play, and I trust in Chris and the vision he and the other coaches have for the club.

"Ever since I first pulled on the Black, Green and Gold jersey, I wanted to show my commitment and help Saints win as much silverware as possible, and that ambition definitely remains the same.”

The breakthrough for the 22-year-old came during the ongoing season where he started for the Saints in eight out of the 12 games.

His England Under 18 debut came in 2014 and a year later he helped the side reach the final of the 2015 World Rugby U20 Championship where won the award for England's Player of the tournament.

Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd expressed delight on the news and is confident of Ludlam having a successful future with the club.

“Lewis is clear proof that our Academy system is thriving here at Northampton Saints," Boyd said.

“I’m delighted that he has committed his future to the club; part of improving the squad here in Northampton means nurturing a backbone of home-grown talent.

“He’s taken his opportunity and become an important member of our first-team squad here at the Gardens, our supporters love his tenacity, and he is starting to fulfil his huge potential here – I’m confident that will continue in the coming years.”