Frontrow pairing commit future to Saints

Northampton Saints have confirmed that front-row duo Paul Hill and Reece Marshall have put pen to paper on contract extensions with the Club.

The pair have notched up 117 appearances in Black, Green and Gold between them, and are both enjoying an excellent 2018/19 season so far having featured regularly for Chris Boyd’s side.

Tighthead prop Hill has already experienced rugby at the very highest level at just 23 years old, having earned five England caps to date. Hill has signed despite the arrival next season of All Blacks tighthead Owen Franks.

Arriving at Franklin’s Gardens from Yorkshire Carnegie in 2015, Hill had already represented his country at under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-20 level – claiming the Junior World Championship title with the latter in 2014.

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But after making his Premiership debut in his first full season as a Saint, the abrasive ball-carrier was called into Eddie Jones’ England squad for the 2016 Six Nations and also toured Australia with the Red Rose that summer.

And Hill is relishing the prospect of pushing on towards becoming a Northampton centurion, with 78 senior appearances to his name to date.

“I’m really happy to have signed a new contract with Saints,” said Hill. “I’m as determined as ever to work hard, keep on improving, and to play as regularly as I can.

“We have plenty of competition to play throughout the squad and the front row is no different; everyone is trying to get better every day and I’m positive this is the best possible environment for me to grow as a player.”

Meanwhile 24-year-old hooker Marshall initially joined the Club in 2013 after progressing through the Saints Academy and marked his Premiership debut during the 2017/18 campaign with a try against Saracens.

He has scored three tries in 14 appearances so far this term in all competitions, and is hoping to continue his progress in Black, Green and Gold.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be staying here for at least the next two years,” said Marshall. “I had a tricky start to this season with injury but it’s been amazing to come back from that with the help of everyone at Saints, get opportunities to play and be a part of all the progress we are making here on the field.

“The staff at the club are top class, while the whole squad is really starting to gel now and show the potential we clearly have here.

“The prospect of being involved in that over the next couple of years is really exciting and I can’t wait to grow as a player and a person, while giving my all to the Club.”

Both Hill and Marshall were selected by Chris Boyd to start last weekend’s 27-26 triumph over Bath Rugby, and Saints’ director of rugby has been impressed with their progress so far this season.

“Paul and Reece have both really bought into what we’re trying to achieve on the field,” said Boyd.

“They are two very impressive young men; they have an excellent attitude, are always looking to improve and want to fight for their place in the side.

“It’s really important to keep good young guys like this around the environment, so I’m delighted they are staying on at Saints.”