Dingwall bounces back from England disappointment with Saints promotion

Fraser Dingwall has been handed the Northampton Saints captaincy just a day after missing out on an England Elite Player Squad contract.

The 27-year-old has been appointed club captain by director of rugby Phil Dowson ahead of the 2026/27 season, replacing George Furbank, who joined Harlequins after guiding Saints to Gallagher PREM glory.

Dingwall has been a key figure at Franklin’s Gardens since making his senior debut in 2018, having joined the Saints academy at the age of 13. He has since made more than 150 appearances for the club and has already captained the side on several occasions.

The centre led Northampton during their run to the Investec Champions Cup final in 2025 in Furbank’s absence, as well as helping Saints win the PREM last season. He now becomes the 69th player to captain Northampton since the club’s formation in 1880.

The appointment comes after Dingwall was overlooked for England’s latest 25-man EPS squad, despite featuring frequently under Steve Borthwick last season. His playing time for England did decrease as the season progressed, however, which culminated in him missing out on the squad for the Nations Championship in July.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Northampton

11:45

25 Sep 26

Newcastle

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“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.”

Dowson added: “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.”