Ex-Northampton and England Under 20 international Elliott moves to PRO14

Former Northampton centre Jamie Elliott, who spent 8 seasons at Franklin’s Gardens, is moving to the PRO14.

Elliott, who came through Northampton Saints’ Academy, made his debut in the Premiership at the age of 18 in November 2011, scoring a try in the win at Sale. In eight seasons with the club the centre played 155 official matches, between Premiership, Anglo-Welsh Cup and European Cups.

In summer he moved to Championship side Bedford Blues, making 6 appearances this season, but now he’s been snapped up by Italian side Zebre and began training with new team-mates at the Parma’s Rugby Citadel today.

His Premiership strike record with the Saints was impressive with 24 tries in 120 appearances, a little over one in every six games. In the 2012/13 season, he was also the top try scorer at Northampton, with 11. The following season he picked up Premiership and EPCR Challenge Cup winners medals with the East Midlands club.

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The 26-year-old has representative honours at underage level with England’s U16’s, U17’s, U18’s and U20’s, winning the Grand Slam with the U20’s in 2011.

Elliott is in line for his debut for Zebre in their PRO14 game with Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park on Sunday. The team is without 12 internationals, who are in Chicago as Italy face Ireland on Saturday.

“I am very happy for this new phase of my career in Italy. I can’t wait to take the field with my new teammates and show my value. I want to give my best for the team and repay the trust of the club. Certainly, I will bring my experience and way of thinking of the rugby situation, with the aim of helping the team to seize many successes.

“I would like to thank the Bedford Blues for giving me the opportunity to play. I really enjoyed these months at the club in my city where I found great people who welcomed me very well. I wish the Bedford Blues the best for the rest of the season”.

Zebre Rugby Club team manager Andrea De Rossi added “We were looking for a specific player in the role of outside centre; as soon as Elliott’s name was proposed, we had no doubts, he is the right guy.

“Jamie has a great experience and a long history of rugby at an international level. There was immediately a good agreement; he entered immediately into our group of players and into Zebre technical mechanisms with great professionalism and humility. He landed at the best time, given the absence of several internationals. He will immediately be able to show his undoubted qualities”.

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