New Zealand international Matt Proctor heads to Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints have confirmed the signing of New Zealand international Matt Proctor from Super Rugby club Hurricanes for the 2019/20 season.

Proctor has already worked under Northampton Saints current director of rugby Chris Boyd when he was in charge of Hurricanes as they enjoyed a Super Rugby title win together in 2016.

The 26-year-old has featured for Hurricanes over 50 times and even went on to represent Wellington Lions in the Mitre 10 Cup competition. The utility back also went on to make his debut for All Blacks against Japan in November last year and has represented Maori All Blacks and New Zealand Under 20 in the past.

“I am excited to have signed for such a prestigious club in Northampton Saints,” said Proctor to the official website of the club.

“For a long time now, I have had the ambition of testing myself in the Northern Hemisphere and for so many reasons Northampton is a great fit for me.

“Not only will I have the opportunity to be coached again by Chris Boyd – the person I have worked with the most as a professional player – but I will also have the honour of joining a Club that is steeped in tradition and boasts a rich history of success.

“The Club and I share the same goals in wanting to achieve as much success as possible on the pitch, while also contributing to the wider rugby community off the field; so overall I am thrilled to be heading to Franklin’s Gardens.”

Meanwhile, Boyd expressed confidence on Proctor's ability and is looking forward to have him as a part of the Saints.

"Matt is exactly the calibre of player that we want to be bringing to Northampton – he’s a world-class talent.

“I obviously know first-hand what he can do having worked with him back in New Zealand, and I am confident he can slot into our back-line next year alongside the quality players we already have at Saints.

“At 26, Matt is entering the peak years of his career and he had the desire for a new challenge on this side of the world. We feel that he can really fill his vast potential here in Northampton.”