French playmaker Anthony Belleau extends his stay at Northampton

Anthony Belleau says he feels ‘enriched’ on and off the field after agreeing to extend his stay at Northampton.

RugbyPass reported at the end of last month that the French international was close to penning a new deal to stay at the club beyond his current one-year deal, which has now been completed.

Belleau has made 12 appearances in Black, Green and Gold since his arrival from Clermont Auvergne last summer, scoring 97 points for the East Midlands outfit.

“Last season, when I made the decision to move away from France, it was a real challenge for me as a rugby player. I didn’t know if I would be able to do it, but when the offer from Saints came, I wanted to give it my best shot,” he said.

“When I first arrived, everything felt new. It was like beginning a completely fresh chapter in my career. A different style of play, a different way of living, and a different way of understanding rugby.

“But being at Saints has been incredibly enriching for me, on and off the field. I truly believe it has made me not only a better rugby player but also a better person.

“So, when the conversation turned to my plans for next season, I knew my time here wasn’t finished. I wanted to see what new challenges were waiting for me with this team.

“Being part of this Saints side, top of the PREM table and into the Champions Cup knock outs, has been really special. I want to achieve things with this group, win trophies, and run out in front of a full house here in Northampton.

“The squad is so competitive, so the opportunity to learn and improve alongside these players and the amazing coaches here is incredibly exciting.

“And personally, living in a completely different way and sharing this whole experience with my fiancée has been amazing.

“I feel very lucky to be here, living my dream as a rugby player, and to share it with my better half. I’m excited for what comes next for us in Northampton.”

Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, is delighted to be keeping the French maestro who started his career with Toulon.

“Anthony is a big signing for us. The fly-half role is integral to every team, but particularly for us at Saints, given how we want to play the game. We want genuine competition at 10, and Anthony gives us that,” said Dowson.

“When we signed him, he had other offers, but he chose Saints because he believed we would push him and help progress his game. That said a lot.

“What’s impressed us even more since then is his willingness to learn and muck in. He’s thrown himself into everything within our environment at Saints, but also off the field, too and fully immersing himself in life in Northampton.

“He’s got a great sense of humour. He’s taken the ‘Tony Bellew’ nickname in good grace, for example, and he’s humble and unassuming, but with a real edge.

“He pushes himself incredibly hard with Sam Vesty around decision making and improvements, and he’s always desperate to play.

“Despite having his teeth knocked out against Harlequins, he wanted to step up immediately the following week when Fin [Smith] was injured. You can’t ask for more toughness and commitment than that.

“He’s still learning our system, but he brings Test level experience of marshalling territory, managing the kick pass balance, knowing when to run the ball, and being the general.

“He gives us the opportunity to perform at the highest level and drives competition within the squad, so we are delighted to be keeping Anthony here in Northampton,” he added.