Northampton Saints name Alex Waller and Teimana Harrison as co-captains for 2019/20 season

Northampton Saints have announced Alex Waller and Teimana Harrison as co-captains for the upcoming season.

Waller has already captained last season when they finished fourth in the Premiership and also lifted the Premiership Rugby Cup trophy. The Saints also reached the knockout stages of the European Challenge Cup under the 29-year-old.

With Hartley, whose previous season has been hampered by injuries deciding to step away, Harrison will join Waller in the leadership role with the duo having 400 appearances for the club between them.

“Teimana leads by example within our group and is respected by absolutely everybody throughout the club,” said Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd to the official website of the club.

“He skippered the side superbly when called upon last season and I’m delighted to see him embrace this new role.

"He’s relishing the opportunity and understands the significance of representing this proud rugby community as co-captain of Northampton Saints.

“Alex and Teimana have now played in the same side for eight seasons and I’m sure their relationship will grow even further as they lead the squad together.

“After pretty much 10 years in a leadership capacity, Dylan Hartley decided to step away from the captain’s role this year – but he will continue to be a significant and influential member of our group.

“Dylan was responsible for Teimana coming over from New Zealand and pulling on a Northampton jersey in the first place, so I know he’s seriously proud to now hand over this responsibility to him and to help him adapt to the job at hand.”

Northampton Saints will face Leinster in the pre-season clash at Franklin's Gardens on 12th September before they kick-start their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign against Sale Sharks on 21st September at AJ Bell Stadium.