Anthony Belleau renews contract with Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints today confirm that fly‑half Anthony Belleau has signed a contract extension, keeping the French playmaker at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

Since arriving in Northampton last summer, Belleau wasted no time in capturing the imagination of Saints’ supporters. He announced himself in spectacular fashion by nailing a decisive late penalty in a narrow win over Gloucester Rugby, before scoring two unforgettable tries against Leicester Tigers the following weekend to help the men in Black, Green and Gold secure East Midlands Derby bragging rights.

Since then, a string of standout performances saw him voted the Club’s Player of the Month for October, and Belleau earned widespread admiration last month for swiftly returning to action despite sustaining a nasty mouth injury against Harlequins to ensure Saints would not be without an experienced fly-half for crucial matches against Union Bordeaux Bègles, Scarlets, and Sale Sharks.

Across his 12 appearances so far in Black, Green and Gold, Belleau has amassed just shy of 100 points for Northampton – numbers he will look to build on as he commits his future to Saints.

“Last season, when I made the decision to move away from France, it was a real challenge for me as a rugby player,” said Belleau. “I didn’t know if I would be able to do it, but when the offer from Saints came, I wanted to give it my best shot.

“When I first arrived, everything felt new. It was like beginning a completely fresh chapter in my career; a different style of play, a different way of living, and a different way of understanding rugby. But being at Saints has been incredibly enriching for me, on and off the field. I truly believe it has made me not only a better rugby player, but also a better person.

“So, when the conversation turned to my plans for next season, I knew my time here wasn’t finished. I wanted to see what new challenges were waiting for me with this team.

“Being part of this Saints side – top of the PREM table and into the Champions Cup knock‑outs – has been really special. I want to achieve things with this group, win trophies, and run out in front of a full house here in Northampton.

“The squad is so competitive, so the opportunity to learn and improve alongside these players and the amazing coaches here is incredibly exciting. And personally, living in a completely different way and sharing this whole experience with my fiancée has been amazing.

“I feel very lucky to be here, living my dream as a rugby player, and to share it with my better half. I’m excited for what comes next for us in Northampton.”

Belleau arrived at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in the summer of 2025, joining from ASM Clermont Auvergne. He had featured 85 times for Clermont across three seasons, having previously spent six seasons with RC Toulon where he made over a century of appearances.

His form at RCT earned him his international breakthrough; Belleau made his France debut against New Zealand during the 2017 Autumn Internationals, and won 11 further caps over the following two seasons, including four appearances in the Six Nations.

He became Saint #2113 last September when he made his Club debut against Saracens in the PREM Rugby Cup – the first of six unbeaten matches to begin his Northampton career, in which he scored 45 points from the tee.

Belleau has made every involvement in a Black, Green and Gold jersey count – landing pressure kicks, controlling territory, showing outstanding commitment in defence, and bringing impeccable decision‑making to Saints’ backline.

That blend of composure and influence is why Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, is delighted to be keeping the French maestro in Northampton.

He said: “Anthony is a big signing for us. The fly‑half role is integral to every team, but particularly for us at Saints given how we want to play the game. We want genuine competition at 10, and Anthony gives us that.

“When we signed him, he had other offers, but he chose Saints because he believed we would push him and help progress his game. That said a lot.

“What’s impressed us even more since then is his willingness to learn and muck in. He’s thrown himself into everything within our environment at Saints, but also off the field too – by exploring the country, connecting with the local community (including a few French restaurant owners in town), and fully immersing himself in life in Northampton.

“He’s got a great sense of humour – he’s taken the ‘Tony Bellew’ nickname in good grace, for example – and he’s humble and unassuming, but with a real edge. He pushes himself incredibly hard with Sam Vesty around decision‑making and improvements, and he’s always desperate to play.

“Despite having his teeth knocked out against Harlequins, he wanted to step up immediately the following week when Fin [Smith] was injured. You can’t ask for more toughness and commitment than that.

“He’s still learning our system, but he brings Test‑level experience of marshalling territory, managing the kick‑pass balance, knowing when to run the ball, and being the general. He gives us the opportunity to perform at the highest level and drives competition within the squad, so we are delighted to be keeping Anthony here in Northampton.”