Robbie Smith signs new deal with Saints

Robbie Smith signs new deal with Saints

Northampton Saints can today confirm that Robbie Smith has signed a new contract, keeping the Scotland hooker at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens beyond the current campaign.

Smith made his Saints debut in September 2022 and has since gone from strength to strength, adding almost 50 Club appearances to his two senior Scotland caps.

Last season brought the toughest challenge of his career, with a serious knee injury cutting short his campaign after just five matches. But the 27-year-old has returned in outstanding form and is relishing the chance to create more memories in Black, Green and Gold.

“I don’t think there’s a better club team I could be playing for than Northampton Saints,” said Smith.

“The amount of growth Saints have helped me achieve over the last four years is immeasurable. The way the Club supported me through my injury and guided me back to playing was outstanding.

“Everyone says it, but it’s true; there’s a real sense of togetherness here. The talent in the squad is obvious, but the unity within the group is our biggest strength. Whether you’re on the pitch or watching from the sidelines, everyone is fully bought in and pulling in the same direction to get results for the team.

“The coaching group are constantly driving us to improve as individuals, which ultimately makes us better collectively. For me, working with people like Jim Henry and Jaco Pienaar has been hugely beneficial around the set-piece and something I’ve really enjoyed. I know that if I keep playing well for Saints, I’ll continue to develop as a player – and hopefully that leads to more silverware for the Club and international opportunities too.

“Finally, I don’t think there are many better places to play rugby than cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens. The way the fans get behind us, the noise, even the buzz in the warm-up – it’s one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever experienced. I can’t wait to make more memories here.”

Smith became Saint #2061 after debuting against London Irish at the start of the 2022/23 season. Across his first two years at the Club he amassed 29 appearances, before his third campaign was cruelly ended in October 2024 when he suffered a devastating knee injury during the home victory over Sale Sharks.

The setback came only a few months after he had made his senior international debut for Scotland – coming off the bench against Canada before earning a second cap against the USA a week later. He had previously represented his country at Under-20, Under‑18 and Under‑16 level.

Born in south-west Scotland, Smith began his rugby journey at Newton Stewart and Ayr, before joining Glasgow Warriors’ Academy. He moved south to Bedford Blues – Saints’ partner club – for the Covid‑impacted 2019/20 season.

A return north followed, this time into the Gallagher PREM with Newcastle. His final appearance for the Kingston Park outfit left a strong impression at cinch Stadium, as he crossed for two tries against Saints in a PREM Rugby Cup clash in March 2022.

This term, Smith has already made 11 appearances, including five starts, and Saints’ Director of Rugby Phil Dowson is excited to see how the hooker progresses from here.

He said: “Robbie has taken the path less travelled in his rugby career so far – coming through Glasgow’s academy system, heading to Bedford where he played really well, then moving to Newcastle before we picked him up.

“He arrived at Saints desperate to learn and he’s always had tenacity and edge. He loves the game and wants to be involved every week. When he hasn’t been in first‑team contention, he’s been at my door wanting to go out on loan to play, improve and keep pushing himself.

“Since joining us he’s put himself firmly on Scotland’s radar, and I know he’s desperate to represent his country more often. He’s also been outstanding since returning from injury, pushing himself to the absolute limit during his recovery and showing incredible character throughout that process.

“He had three separate operations last year – that’s a huge amount for anyone to deal with, physically and mentally. I’ve no doubt there were some dark moments in those nine months, but he worked unbelievably hard and handled it superbly before making his comeback this season.

“Robbie is a fantastic presence within the squad too, genuinely one of the nicest blokes you’ll meet, and a fierce competitor as well. We’re delighted he’s staying here in Northampton.”

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