Northampton release two, confirm immediate effect hooker signing

Northampton have shaken up their squad on Thursday, releasing locks Gavin Thornbury and Will Spencer but confirming the immediate effect signing of Henry Walker, a hooker from Ealing Trailfinders. Thornbury and Spencer were both short-term signings a few months ago, with Spencer already snapped up by Ospreys ahead of their round two EPCR Challenge Cup game this weekend. Meanwhile, Robbie Smith’s long-term injury has forced Saints to seek out Walker.

A statement read: “Northampton can confirm that locks Gavin Thornbury and Will Spencer have both departed the club following the conclusion of their short-term contracts. Spencer, 32, and Thornbury, 30, linked up in September to provide cover for Tom Lockett (injury) and Temo Mayanavanua (international duty).

“Spencer featured in Saints’ Premiership Rugby Cup clashes against Leicester Tigers and Nottingham, and moves to Ospreys. Meanwhile, Thornbury represented Northampton in those two fixtures, plus another Cup encounter at Coventry and three Gallagher Premiership matches against Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears.

“Northampton can also announce that hooker Henry Walker has joined from Ealing Trailfinders with immediate effect. The 105kg 26-year-old arrives at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens from the Championship’s second-placed side to bolster Saints’ ranks at hooker, with Robbie Smith suffering a long-term injury earlier this season.

“Walker is a graduate of Gloucester’s academy, and made 72 competitive appearances for the Cherry and Whites following his debut at Kingsholm in 2015. He joined Ealing in the summer of 2023, helping the side claim the Championship title the following season.”

Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson said: “Gavin and Will were only here for a short time, but both made a big contribution to the squad with some very good performances on the pitch, and passing on their experience off it. Both are superb professionals and set a great example for our younger players to follow.

“Henry is someone who has played in the Premiership before and while he has been involved with a strong Ealing side recently, he was interested in coming in and testing himself within our environment.

“He is still a young man, and a very powerful and dynamic hooker. I watched him closely in training on Monday and he already understands the game – plus he has running good lines and has got good skills.

“We had to look at bringing another hooker into the group given Robbie’s nasty injury will keep him out of action for a while. Curtis (Langdon) has again been consistently strong so far this season, we have been delighted with how Craig (Wright) has performed when he has come into the team, and Nathan (Langdon) has been playing well for Bedford too.

“But we felt operating with only three hookers left us a little light, so we are delighted to bring in someone of Henry’s calibre and experience – the set-piece has to be fundamental for a front rower and he has got all the attributes that we are looking for in that space. We are looking forward to getting to know him better and seeing how he goes.”