Fraser Dingwall has been appointed Club Captain of Northampton Saints

A lifelong Saints supporter, Dingwall becomes the 69th player to captain the men in Black, Green and Gold since the Club’s formation in 1880.

Having joined Saints’ Academy at the age of 13, the 27-year-old has gone on to make more than 150 appearances for Northampton – and he is no stranger to the captaincy, having previously led the side during their run to the Investec Champions Cup Final in 2025, and on several other occasions across recent seasons.

Dingwall follows in the footsteps of fellow Academy graduates Lewis Ludlam and George Furbank, becoming the latest homegrown talent to skipper Northampton Saints.

“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be asked to captain the Club,” said Dingwall. “When you look at the list of players who’ve done it before, it’s incredibly special to be part of that group.

“My connection to Saints runs deep. I first came here as a young supporter with my family, then joined the Academy at 13 and have been part of the Club ever since. To come all the way through that pathway and now be named Club Captain means a lot to me.

“I’ve been fortunate to watch and then play alongside some great leaders. Guys like Dylan Hartley, Alex Waller, Tom Wood and Teimana Harrison set the standard. Then Lewis Ludlam and George Furbank are two players I came through the system with, and learned a huge amount from.

“We’ve already got a strong leadership group within the squad and I’m looking forward to working alongside them. Players like Josh Kemeny, Callum Chick, Alex Coles and Fin Smith are obvious examples, but it’s equally important that we continue creating opportunities for new leaders to emerge.

“Leadership isn't down to one person. Having strong voices throughout the squad helps drive the team forward and creates an environment where everyone takes responsibility for our standards and performance.

“To our supporters, I’d just like to say thank you. Having grown up watching this team, I know how much this Club means to you. Your support makes a huge difference to us, and we have a responsibility to represent you in a way that makes you proud.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to create more great memories and enjoy more success together, and I can’t wait to get this season started.”

Dingwall’s journey with Saints began as a teenager in the Club’s Academy system before he made his senior debut against Leicester Tigers at Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) in 2018.

Since then, he has established himself as a key figure in Northampton’s midfield, helping the Club to two Gallagher PREM titles (2023/24 and 2025/26) and a place in the Investec Champions Cup Final (2024/25).

Between 2021 and 2024, the centre made more than 20 appearances in three consecutive seasons, culminating in Saints lifting their first league title in a decade.

His growing influence within the squad has been reflected by an increasingly prominent leadership role. During the 2024/25 season, Dingwall captained Saints on a number of occasions during George Furbank’s injury absence, including leading the team out at Principality Stadium for the Investec Champions Cup Final.

Last season, the England international, who has earned ten caps for his country, featured in 21 matches as Saints secured a second PREM title in three seasons while continuing to play a key role within the Club’s leadership group.

Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, said: “We’re really pleased for Fraser. He’s come right through our system, having supported the Club as a youngster before joining our Academy, and it’s always special to see someone with that connection to Saints take on this responsibility.

“Over the last couple of seasons, he’s stepped up and shown exactly the qualities you want from a captain. He’s led the team on a number of occasions when George [Furbank] was unavailable, and the way he handled those opportunities made him the standout choice for us.

“He’s highly respected by the playing group, but what stands out as much is the way he carries himself away from the field. He’s thoughtful, intelligent and has built strong relationships across the entire Club, from the players and coaches through to the wider staff.

“We’ve always believed in developing leaders throughout our squad, and Fraser’s journey is a great example of that. He’s grown into an influential voice within the group and I know he’ll continue to help bring other leaders through around him.

“The captaincy is never about one person, and Fraser will have a strong group of players alongside him. He and the rest of the squad are excited about what lies ahead, and we’re all looking forward to getting started again.”