Nick Auterac to switch from Harlequins to Northampton ahead of 2020/21 season

Northampton Saints have confirmed the appointment of loosehead prop Nick Auterac from Gallagher Premiership rivals Harlequins ahead of the 2020/21 season.

A graduate of Saracens Academy, Auterac made his debut for the Allianz Park outfit in 2011 during which he also had loan stints with London Scottish and Bedford Blues.

He made a switch to Bath Rugby in 2014 making over 50 Premiership appearances for the Recreation Ground based club following which he joined Harlequins ahead of the 2018/19 season. He also has the experience of featuring for England Under 20 side in 2012.

“I’m really excited to be joining a massive Club in Northampton Saints, who are proving themselves to be genuine contenders for silverware this season,” said Auterac to the official website of the club.

“Saints play an exciting brand of rugby in front of a partisan crowd – having experienced the Franklin’s Gardens atmosphere first-hand, I can’t wait to run out there every week.

“The Club’s ambition and upward trajectory over the past couple of years has been clear to see. Their scrum in particular has come on leaps and bounds, so I’m really excited to get to work with a talented group of coaches and to challenge for that No.1 jersey in Northampton.”

Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd expressed confidence on Auterac's ability and backed him to have a successful stint with the club.

“We’re delighted to be able to announce our first new signing for next season, and we’re confident Nick will be a quality addition to our front row.

“He is highly respected and experienced within the Premiership, and has shown throughout his career so far that he is not only a strong scrummager but very capable around the park too – which of course fits the mould for how we play at Saints.

“But Nick’s also a player with plenty of potential to improve; he’s just entering what will be his peak years as a front-row forward, so I think he can take his performances to another level under Matt Ferguson, Phil Dowson and the rest of the coaches at Franklin’s Gardens.”