Prem champions Saints name Dingwall club captain

Dingwall came off the bench in the Prem final against Exeter to help Saints lift their second title in three years [Getty Images] English Prem champions Northampton Saints have appointed Fraser Dingwall as their new club captain. The 27-year-old centre steps into the role after George Furbank's move to Harlequins. Dingwall, who joined Saints' academy aged 13, has made more than 150 senior appearances and becomes the club's 69th captain since its formation in 1880. "When you look at the list of players who've done it before, it's incredibly special to be part of that group," said the England international, who has won 10 caps since his Test debut in 2024. "I've been fortunate to watch and then play alongside some great leaders. Guys like Dylan Hartley, Alex Waller, Tom Wood and Teimana Harrison set the standard. Then Lewis Ludlam and George Furbank are two players I came through the system with and learned a huge amount from. "Leadership isn't down to one person. Having strong voices throughout the squad helps drive the team forward and creates an environment where everyone takes responsibility for our standards and performance." 'Influential voice' Dingwall made his senior Saints debut in 2018 and has established himself as a key figure in their midfield, helping the club to two Premiership titles in the past three seasons - as well as reaching the 2025 Champions Cup final. He has previously captained the club on a number of occasions during Furbank's injury absence. Saints' director of rugby Phil Dowson said Dingwall had exhibited "exactly the qualities you want from a captain." He said: "We've always believed in developing leaders throughout our squad, and Fraser's journey is a great example of that. He's grown into an influential voice within the group and I know he'll continue to help bring other leaders through around him." 'Fiercely passionate' - analysis From the first time we spoke to Fraser, when he was still in the academy, his potential as a leader was obvious. He speaks so clearly and confidently and although he's softly spoken, he's fiercely passionate about Saints. He's been a leader within the group for many seasons. If you see him in training, he's always at the centre of things - particularly organising the defence. Too often he's under-estimated, but this underlines how highly they value him on and off the field at Saints.