Saints don't lose Wyk, Kitto returns for second stint with Warriors
Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors have both today confirmed signings ahead of the 2019/20 season.
Francois van Wyk
Saints have confirmed that prop Francois van Wyk has signed a new contract with the Club to keep him at Franklin’s Gardens until 2021.
Since arriving in the East Midlands in the summer of 2017, the powerful South African-born loosehead has made 43 appearances in Black, Green and Gold in all competitions.
Continue reading below…
Van Wyk has enhanced his first team credentials this term under Chris Boyd, getting a run of starts under his belt and scoring his first points for the Club with a try double against Bristol Bears in October.
The 27-year-old also claimed some silverware in his debut season as he played a prominent role in the Wanderers’ A League triumph, starting the final where Northampton beat Exeter Braves 31-21 in the final.
And with at least two more seasons as a Saint to look forward to, Van Wyk is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the Franklin’s Gardens faithful.
“I’m really happy to be staying on with Saints for another couple of years,” he said.
“I feel very at home here at the Club, and the confidence that Chris Boyd and the other coaches have put in me this season have helped me to kick on.
“The players around me are helping me a lot and I just want to build on my performances this season and improve my consistency.
“I’m very excited for the challenge that lies ahead of us in the coming seasons and hopefully we can pick up some silverware for these great fans.”
Jono Kitto
Scrum-half Jono Kitto is set for a second stint with Warriors having signed a contract for next season.
The former New Zealand Under-20s international had a short stint on loan at Sixways at the start of last season and will return on a permanent deal from New Zealand provincial side Northland.
“I am really excited to be heading back to play rugby in the Gallagher Premiership and in particular with the Worcester Warriors,” Kitto said.
“I really enjoyed my brief stint there in 2017 and met some good people that I am looking forward to working with again.
It has been good to be home the last year reconnecting with family and friends and I really enjoyed my time with Northland, but the opportunity to join Worcester was too good to miss.”
Kitto, 26, has previous Premiership experience with Leicester Tigers, from he played for Warriors on loan, and Harlequins.
Kitto is Warriors’ third new signing for next season following lock Graham Kitchener, who will rejoin from Leicester, and tighthead prop Conor Carey, who will move from Connacht.
Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons said: “ Jono is a quality, experienced scrumhalf, who has the distinct advantage of not only having played in the Premiership,but of having played for the Club.
“Everyone at the Club who worked with him sings his praises as both a player and a bloke so I have no doubt he will add huge value and we look forward to welcoming him back to Sixways.”
Comments on RugbyPass
100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
8 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
8 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
8 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
8 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
7 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to comments