Centre Matt Proctor to stay at Northampton Saints

Former All Blacks centre Matt Proctor is staying at Northampton Saints after penning a contract extension at the club.

One of the highest-paid players at Franklin’s Gardens, the 29-year-old has made 41 appearances for the club is the first player officially re-signed by incoming Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.

“I know the last couple of years have been challenging at times for him and his young family – they are a long way from home, and it has obviously been difficult to get back to New Zealand to see their loved ones,” said Dowson. “But we have done everything we can to make him feel at home within our environment, and on the pitch, we believe he is one of the most effective backs in the Gallagher Premiership.

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“While he has already enjoyed a couple of stellar seasons with us at the Gardens, I think the best is still to come from Matty, so I can’t wait to see what he can do in Black, Green and Gold over the coming years.”

Proctor made a half-century of appearances for the Hurricanes and was named captain for the Wellington Lions’ Mitre 10 Cup campaign in 2018, before making his New Zealand Test debut against Japan in November of the same year – his representative career also includes the Maori All Blacks, New Zealand Under-20s and New Zealand Schools.

He made an instant impact at the club on his arrival at the Gardens, scoring two tries in his Gallagher Premiership debut against local rivals Leicester Tigers.

The New Zealander has two scores to his name so far this season, crossing the whitewash in Northampton’s victories over Exeter Chiefs and London Irish, and the All Black is looking forward to making more memories in Saints colours.

“The progress our squad is making is really exciting and I’m very happy to be signing on again with Northampton.

“My family and I have settled really well here; that was thanks to being part of a great group of players and families, as well as all the Club’s supporters who have made us feel so welcome – I hope I can repay their faith in me with good performances whenever I pull on the jersey.

“We have a superb training environment at Franklin’s Gardens and a really impressive group of coaches who have all helped me to become a better player since I came over to Northampton. I can’t wait to see what the future holds in store for us.”