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Northampton sign dual code England qualified flyhalf to fill void left by star's exit
Northampton Saints have finalized the loan signing of fly-half Charlie Savala from Edinburgh Rugby to address the void left by James Grayson, who is set to depart for Japan.
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It was confirmed today that Grayson is to leave Saints mid-season in search of more playing time in Japan.
The 23-year-old, an English-qualified player with 33 appearances for Edinburgh since his debut in the 2020/21 United Rugby Championship season, has joined the Saints with immediate effect.
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Savala transitioned from rugby league to union, initially in the Sydney Roosters’ academy, before relocating to Scotland in 2020.
Standing at an imposing 193cm and weighing 102kg, Savala is a versatile player, proficient both in ball handling and defensive duties. Notably, he maintained an impressive 93 per cent tackle success rate across 15 appearances in the URC last season and emerged as Edinburgh’s most accurate goal-kicker during the 2023/24 URC season, landing 82 per cent of his attempts from the tee.
Savala’s notable performances earned him a call-up to Scotland’s international squad during the 2023 Six Nations as injury cover, showcasing his growing reputation on the rugby stage. Although he did not feature for Gregor Townsend’s side in the remainder of the Championship, Savala’s potential did not go unnoticed.
Phil Dowson, the Director of Rugby at Northampton Saints, expressed enthusiasm about incorporating Savala into the squad, especially considering the demanding schedule ahead, including Gallagher Premiership and Investec Champions Cup matches.
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“Charlie has a very good skillset,” Dowson remarked. “His pass-kick option is really good, and he’s a confident guy who wants to come here and play, so we’re grateful to Edinburgh for allowing him the opportunity to come to Saints on loan.”
Dowson highlighted Savala’s rugby league background, emphasizing his ability to read the game and exploit open spaces. The Saints coaching staff, including Sam Vesty and Lee Radford, is eager to work with Savala and contribute to his development during his time with the club.
Comments on RugbyPass
Tamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
1 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to comments