Northampton Saints coaching trio agree new contract extensions

Northampton Saints have announced that Director of Rugby Phil Dowson, Head Coach Sam Vesty and Assistant Coach James Craig have signed new contract extensions at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

The move ensures long-term continuity in the coaching group that has overseen one of the most successful periods in recent club history.

The trio were central to Saints’ Gallagher PREM title victory in 2024, the club’s first league triumph in ten years. They also guided Northampton to the Investec Champions Cup Final in 2025.

Chief Executive Julia Chapman said the extensions show the club’s ambition to keep building on recent success. She praised the coaching team for creating a culture built on trust, cohesion and a belief in continuous improvement.

“The culture and environment they’ve created – and the strong bond within the playing group – are fundamental to what makes Saints special," said Chapman.

"Players want to come here because they know these coaches will help them improve, and that speaks volumes about their quality and approach.

“These extensions also reflect our confidence in a coaching team that is constantly evolving, striving to get better, and staying true to our values of developing homegrown talent while playing an exhilarating brand of rugby.

“We believe Phil, Sam, and James will continue to inspire our players, our supporters, and the rugby community in Northampton as we push for even more over the seasons still to come.”

Dowson took over as Director of Rugby at the start of the 2022/23 season after a long playing career at Saints. He made 186 appearances for the club, captained the side to the Anglo-Welsh Cup title in 2010 and was part of the double-winning season in 2014.

Since moving into the top job, he has secured a PREM title and guided the team to deep runs in Europe.

Vesty joined Saints in 2018 and helped shape the team’s free-flowing attacking style. Promoted to Head Coach in 2022, he has overseen a period of expansive rugby that has earned widespread praise.

Vesty said the long-term project remains exciting, especially as more academy graduates continue to emerge into the senior squad.

Meanwhile, Craig made 73 appearances for Northampton before retiring in 2019 and immediately moving into coaching.

His early work in the academy pathway led to a senior role in 2022. Craig has led on lineout, maul and forward development, areas that were crucial to the Premiership title in 2024 and run to the Champions Cup Final in 2025.