130kg, 6'8 giant among three new signings unveiled by PREM champions Northampton

Northampton Saints have handed full-time contracts to three triallists ahead of the 2026/27 PREM season, further underlining their ability to unearth raw talent from the lower leagues and student rugby.

Lock James Bennett and winger Thomas Rowe spent the majority of the 2025/26 campaign within Saints’ set-up, combining their studies at Loughborough University with regular training sessions at Franklin’s Gardens.

Meanwhile, former Old Albanian player Alexander initially linked up with Northampton during the second block of PREM Rugby Cup fixtures, to bolster the club’s depleted hooker stocks during the Six Nations period.

All three players made their first-team debuts last term, featuring in Saints’ PREM Cup campaign, and contributed to the squad’s wider preparations as Northampton went on to lift a second Gallagher PREM title in three seasons.

“With players out on loan across National One, National Two, and the CHAMP, we watch a lot of rugby outside of the Gallagher PREM,” said Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.

“Our coaching group – particularly Jim Henry, who has been working with Bedford Blues alongside Saints this season – has a strong understanding of the talent that’s out there.

“James, Tom and Ben have all spent time in our environment this season, coming in whenever their university commitments allowed. That’s given them a really valuable opportunity to continue their studies alongside experiencing what it takes to be part of a professional set-up.

“They’ve trained with us, worked in the gym, sat in meetings and already started to understand how we operate as a Club. While these are new contracts for next season, they’ll arrive for pre-season with a solid grasp of what’s expected and how we want to play.”

Described by Dowson as ‘a big lad’, Bennett made four appearances last season, the most of the trio.

“James came through our Academy and has been playing at Loughborough University, where several of our players have been involved through the Club’s link with Loughborough Lightning,” said Dowson.

“He’s been playing really well and has shown a strong physical edge. He joined us during our PREM Rugby Cup preparation and impressed, so it’s great to have him back in our environment.

“He’s a big lad, but also very conscientious and professional in how he goes about things. He wants to carry, he’s keen to learn, and he’s really taken his opportunity whenever he’s been involved so far.”

Lightning-wuick winger Rowe made his sole appearance to date against Harlequins in November in the PREM Rugby Cup, while converted back-rower Alexander also made his debut against Harlequins in February.

Dowson explained how his signing came about. “We came across Ben playing at Old Albanians under Dan George, a former teammate of mine, and Josh Skelcey, who was in the Saints Academy system.

“We brought him into the environment and were impressed with his attitude straight away. He’s a remarkable athlete – an ex-back rower with a really strong skillset. He’s tough, good over the ball, and brings plenty of physicality.

“Now transitioning to hooker, there’s still lots for him to learn, but he’s already picked up a huge amount working with Jim Henry – particularly around his set-piece. Bringing Ben into the full-time environment feels like a very positive step.”