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'Entirely different to what the referees asked for': All Blacks assistant on South African TV director's influence
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Alex Mitchell sets target for 'quality' Northampton this season
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England and Lions scrum-half Alex Mitchell has his sights on Northampton Saints winning some silverware this season after penning a new “multi-year” contract to remain at Franklins Gardens.
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Mitchell, 28, has made 147 appearances and scored 52 tries for Saints and follows half-back partner and fellow internationalist Fin Smith in putting pen to paper on a new deal.
It was his try that secured the Saints’ Premiership title victory in 2024, and he was last season a member of the squad that reached the Champions Cup Final only to suffer defeat against Bordeaux-Begles, but it has left him wanting more.
“We know we have got a good squad. I’ve been here before when we’ve been coming ninth and tenth, and it’s not enjoyable. You have to appreciate when you have got a good squad around you and be a bit grateful at times.
“We want to push on, and obviously last season wasn’t that successful for us, and we were a bit disappointed, but we have got a good squad and good coaching set up, so hopefully we can do a better job this year.
“I think we can win something. If you watched us play last weekend, we beat a really good Leicester team, who have been good this year. We know we have got the quality to perform and be at the top.
“The top two and get into the finals and push for the Champions Cup again and get to the final. The main goal is to win some silverware. We just need to be consistent, we know we have got it in us and the side to do it,” he said.
Mitchell has won 23 England caps and made two Test appearances on the Lions tour of Australia this summer and says that he is taking confidence from being part of Andy Farrell’s squad.
“It’s quite a cool thing. I watched the Lions when I was younger, and when I first played for England, you get your number. It’s something that nobody can take away from you. Not many players are able to do it.
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“I don’t try to overthink it. Whenever I’ve first played for the Saints first-team, England or the Lions, I don’t let it go to my ego too much. Maybe I’ve got a bit more confidence from it and trust my game a little bit more,” he adds.
