Tiger's lock Barrow to be Sainted after medical joker stint in France

Northampton Saints have announced that Dom Barrow will join the Club in time for the 2018/19 season.

The lock move will take place after a stint in La Rochelle as a medical joker, with Leicester Tigers releasing him from the club.

The towering, Sheffield-born lock began his rugby career in Yorkshire Carnegie’s academy, but after a two-year stint with Newcastle Falcons has now made over 50 appearances for Tigers.

Barrow was shortlisted for Young Player and Newcomer of the Year in his debut season at Welford Road, before being nominated for Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2017.

And the former England Under-20s international is delighted to be making the short trip across the East Midlands to link up with Saints.

“I’m really relishing a new challenge at Franklin’s Gardens,” said the 25-year-old.

“Chris Boyd’s appointment was key to my decision and it seems to have generated a lot of positive energy at Saints. It’s obvious that there’s a huge focus on putting things right for next year and challenging for honours – I can’t wait to play my part.

“I know just how electric the atmosphere is at Franklin’s Gardens and how passionate the supporters are having played against Saints on several occasions – I hope I can do those supporters proud wearing Black, Green and Gold.”

A sporting all-rounder in his youth, Barrow was initially part of both Barnsley and Manchester United’s football academies, as well as running cross-country to a high level.

But having focused on rugby and captained England’s Under-16 and Under-18 age groups, Barrow made his senior debut for Yorkshire in the 2010/11 European Challenge Cup.

Standing at 6’ 7”, Barrow naturally impressed, joining England’s Under-20s set-up in 2013 and winning the IRB Junior World Championship title with the squad later that year.

That paved the way for a breakthrough move to Newcastle Falcons in the summer of 2013, before he joined Leicester Tigers two years later, making over 50 appearances to date.

And Saints’ interim head coach Alan Dickens believes that Barrow will be another superb addition to Saints’ second-row options for next season.

He said: “Dom offers a lot around the park as well as in the lineout, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Franklin’s Gardens.

“Even though he’s only 25, he’s already proven his huge talent at the highest level on a rugby pitch.

“Dom’s got a lot of rugby in him as well as international aspirations, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what he can add to our game next year.”