In a significant move that shakes up the Gallagher Premiership landscape, Northampton Saints have secured the signing of England international back-rower Callum Chick. The powerful forward will join the Franklin's Gardens outfit from Newcastle Falcons ahead of the 2026/27 season.
A New Chapter for the England Forward
Chick, who has been a cornerstone of the Newcastle Falcons pack for nearly a decade, is set to bring his considerable experience and physicality to the Saints. The 28-year-old, capable of playing across the back row at number eight or blindside flanker, has made over 150 appearances for the Falcons since his debut in 2016. His leadership was recognised with the club captaincy in 2022.
The move marks the end of a long and influential chapter for Chick in the North East. He has been a loyal servant to the Falcons, navigating the club's challenges and successes, including their promotion back to the Premiership in 2020. His departure represents a major loss for the Falcons but a considerable coup for the ambitious Saints.
Strengthening Saints' Title Ambitions
Northampton's Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, expressed his delight at securing Chick's signature. He highlighted the player's proven Premiership pedigree, his international quality, and his leadership attributes as key reasons for the pursuit. Chick is seen as a perfect fit for the Saints' high-tempo style of play, offering both robust defensive work and strong ball-carrying ability.
This acquisition signals Northampton's clear intent to build a squad capable of sustaining a title challenge. Adding a player of Chick's calibre and experience to a pack already containing the likes of Courtney Lawes and Alex Coles provides significant depth and competition. His arrival will be a boost as Saints continue to compete on both domestic and European fronts.
What This Means for Newcastle and Chick's England Hopes
For Newcastle Falcons, losing a player of Chick's stature is a substantial blow. As a homegrown talent and club captain, his leadership on and off the field will be difficult to replace. The Falcons will now need to delve into the transfer market to find a suitable reinforcement for their back row.
From an international perspective, the move to a top-four contender like Northampton could enhance Chick's prospects with England. Regular exposure to high-pressure Premiership and Champions Cup rugby at Franklin's Gardens will keep him firmly in the national selectors' thoughts. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, performing consistently for a successful club side is paramount for any England aspirant.
The transfer, confirmed on 2nd January 2026, is one of the first major moves announced for the following season. It underscores the ever-evolving nature of the Premiership and sets the stage for an intriguing new phase in Callum Chick's career at one of England's most historic clubs.
