South African Jordan Els earns new deal to keep him in the PREM

Following a successful trial period, Jordan Els has signed a deal to remain at Northampton until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The loosehead prop arrived at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens over the summer, with Saints temporarily short of front-row resources due to injuries to Oliver Scola and Luke Green, and the international commitments of Emmanuel Iyogun and Danilo Fischetti.

Born in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Els came through the Sharks’ Academy system before making the step into senior rugby in 2018. Midway through the 2018/19 campaign, the prop moved to the Northern Hemisphere to join Champ outfit Ealing Trailfinders.

A season later, Els earned a move to Gallagher PREM side Harlequins, where he stayed for seven seasons, making 58 first team appearances and winning the PREM title in 2021.

The 29-year-old made his Saints debut in the PREM Rugby Cup fixture against his former club in September.

“Bringing Jordan in over the summer was a great opportunity for both him and the club,” said Saints DoR Phil Dowson.

“We were looking for cover in the front row and, having bounced back from a period of injury of his own at Harlequins, Jordan was looking for a chance to get back playing consistently and show what he could do.

“Jaco Pienaar had worked with him during his time at the Sharks, so he already knew the qualities Jordan would bring and the type of person he is. Having had the chance to work with him ourselves over the last few months, we’d completely echo everything Jaco told us.

“Jordan is a hard worker, he drives high standards every day, and he’s embraced the opportunity here from the moment he arrived.

“We’re delighted to keep him with us for the rest of the season and look forward to seeing how he continues to develop and contribute to the group.”