Tommy Freeman commits future to Saints

Tommy Freeman has signed a contract extension with Northampton Saints that will see the England international and British & Irish Lion remain at Franklin’s Gardens for the foreseeable future.

Still only 25, Freeman can already call himself a two-time Gallagher PREM champion, while also boasting 30 England caps and six appearances for the British & Irish Lions, including three Test starts.

Now, despite still having a season remaining on his current deal, the versatile back has committed his future to Saints – the Club where he has made 118 appearances to date.

“Saints is a special place,” said Freeman. “We’ve got an incredible group of lads, a brilliant coaching set-up, and it’s the environment where I believe I can keep developing and get the best out of myself as a player.

“It’s a Club where you can be yourself. You’re encouraged to express your personality both on and off the field, and there’s a real sense that this group still has plenty more to achieve.

“We’ve enjoyed some brilliant moments together over the last few years, but there’s a feeling that we’re still growing and building towards something even bigger.

“A big part of my decision was the people here. The squad is so close, and that extends beyond the players to partners, families and everyone around the Club. That tight-knit feel creates a special culture that helps drive what we do on the pitch.

“We’ve won two PREM titles, reached a European final, and we don’t think we’re finished yet. There are some exciting players coming into the group, and this is a squad that will only continue to grow with more experience and time together.

“I also love playing at Franklin’s Gardens. The pitch is always outstanding, the stands are always full, and the supporters turn up for us week after week. The atmosphere they create is incredible, and running out in front of a packed house was definitely another factor in wanting to stay here.”

Freeman is a product of Northampton’s flourishing Academy system, joining Saints via Moulton College’s AASE programme after being released by East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers.

After progressing through the Academy ranks for two seasons, the winger signed his first professional contract ahead of the 2019/20 campaign. He made an immediate impression in Black, Green and Gold, scoring a stunning solo try against Leinster in a preseason fixture before going on to become Saint #2015 later that season when he made his senior debut against Bath Rugby in the PREM at just 19 years of age.

Comfortable anywhere across the back three and equally capable in midfield, Freeman was recognised as Saints’ Breakthrough Player of the Season in 2020/21 before collecting the Club’s Young Player of the Season award a year later.

A prolific finisher, Freeman has crossed the whitewash 79 times in 118 appearances for Saints. His try-scoring exploits include memorable strikes in both of the Club’s recent PREM Final victories, as he opened the scoring against Bath Rugby in 2024 and Exeter Chiefs in 2026 to help Northampton lift two league titles in three seasons.

Freeman’s rise at club level soon translated onto the international stage. He received his first England call-up ahead of the 2021 Autumn Nations Series and made his senior debut during England’s 2022 tour of Australia.

Since then, Freeman has become a mainstay in Steve Borthwick’s side, earning 30 caps and starting every match across the last three Guinness Six Nations campaigns. In 2025, he became the first English player to score a try in every round of a Six Nations Championship.

His outstanding form also earned selection for the British & Irish Lions’ 2025 tour of Australia alongside fellow Saints Alex Mitchell, Henry Pollock and Fin Smith. After scoring twice in the tour’s warm-up matches, Freeman went on to start all three Tests against the Wallabies.

Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, said: “To have Tommy commit his future to the Club so early in this season’s recruitment and retention cycle is a huge boost for us. We’re delighted that he’s chosen to continue his journey with Northampton Saints.

“Tommy is an exceptional player and undoubtedly one of the best back-three players in the world. The fact he has also performed at outside centre at international level speaks volumes about both his quality and versatility.

“While he’s still only 25, he already has a remarkable amount of experience from club and international rugby, including a British & Irish Lions tour. He has achieved a tremendous amount in the game already, but we genuinely believe there is even more to come from him.

“Beyond his performances on the pitch, Tommy is a hugely important figure within our environment. He works incredibly hard, drives standards every day and brings real energy and enjoyment to the group. Different players contribute in different ways, and Tommy’s personality, enthusiasm and love for the game make him a fantastic person to have around.

“He’s the sort of player who can change a match in an instant. He has all the physical attributes you could want, but it’s his rugby intelligence, skillset and confidence that really set him apart. Whether it’s his footwork, aerial ability, kicking game or instinct for a big moment, Tommy consistently finds ways to make an impact and has all the qualities of a genuine gamechanger.

“The fact that he wants to continue his career at Saints says a lot about both Tommy and the Club. Players of his calibre are in demand across the game, so we’re thrilled that he sees his future here in Northampton.”