Tom Pearson signs new Northampton Saints deal

Tom Pearson has committed his future to Northampton Saints after signing a new contract that will keep the England back-row forward at the club beyond the current campaign.

The 26-year-old has become an important member of Phil Dowson’s squad since arriving from London Irish in the summer of 2023, helping Saints win two Gallagher PREM titles in three seasons.

Pearson extends stay at Northampton

Pearson made 21 appearances during his first season at Franklin’s Gardens, scoring seven tries as Northampton won their first PREM title in a decade and reached the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals.

An injury late in the 2024/25 campaign prevented him from featuring in the Champions Cup Final, but Pearson returned to make 22 appearances during 2025/26 as Saints again lifted the domestic title.

He started at openside flanker in Northampton’s 26-17 PREM Final victory over Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Stadium in June.

Pearson said Northampton had helped him develop different areas of his game and described the club as somewhere he believes he can continue improving.

“Since joining Saints, I’ve felt completely at home,” said Pearson to the club's official website.

“I genuinely feel like this Club has brought the best out of me as a player.

“I’ve developed so much during my time here, whether that’s my all-round game, my set piece work, or my attacking game – and a huge amount of credit for that has to go to the coaches.

“They’re all incredibly invested in helping players improve, not just for what they can achieve with Saints but also in terms of their wider ambitions. That support and belief is a massive part of why I wanted to stay".

England return remains Pearson ambition

Pearson began his career with Bromyard RFC and Luctonians before progressing through Gloucester’s academy and later Cardiff Metropolitan University.

He joined London Irish ahead of the 2021/22 season and made 39 appearances across two campaigns, earning both the PREM Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Season and RPA Young Player of the Year awards in 2022/23.

Pearson earned his first England cap against Wales in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match in August 2023 and said returning to the senior international set-up remains a major ambition.

“Getting back into the England set-up remains a huge motivation for me. I feel like I’ve got unfinished business there and it’s something I’m determined to push for again this season.

“At Saints, though, we’re ambitious. We’re proud of what we achieved last year, but we’ve parked that now and are fully focused on what comes next.

"We’ve got a fantastic group, we’ve kept the core of the squad together, and there’s a real belief that we can achieve even more. We’re excited to see what this season can bring.”

Dowson backs Pearson for further growth

Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson said retaining Pearson had been a major priority, praising his athleticism, versatility and continued development across the back row.

Dowson also believes the 26-year-old has further room to improve as Northampton look to build on their latest championship success.

“Keeping Tom at the Club was a huge priority for us," said Dowson.

“Statistically, he’s right up there among the best back rowers in the league, but what stands out most is his desire to keep improving. He’s constantly looking for ways to get better, and that mindset fits perfectly with what we’re all about as a Club."