Northampton Saints sign Joe Gray on short-term contract

Northampton Saints have confirmed the signing of hooker Joe Gray for a short-term deal ahead of the 2018/19 season.

The 29-year-old will make his second stint with the Saints after previously representing them between 2007 and 2010.

He made a switch to Harlequins in 2010 and has racked up over 150 appearances for the Twickenham Stoop outfit since then. He was also part of the Harlequins team that clinched the Premiership title during 2011/12 season.

Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd is delighted to have the services of Gray as an injury cover until October.

“We’re delighted to have secured a player of Joe’s experience and quality for the next three months,” said Boyd.

“A number of our hookers are carrying niggles heading into the back end of preseason, and we want to make sure they are back to full fitness before they return with a long season ahead. We have three important preseason matches in the coming weeks, so it’s important to make sure we are covered.

“Joe has a proven track record in the Premiership, and I’m sure our younger hookers like Reece and Samson will also relish the opportunity to learn from someone new.”

Gray has also represented England in a solitary Test that came in 2014 against New Zealand in Auckland.