Northampton Saints
News: Wot? Here's Digger!!
DiggerDiggerDigger
By COYSDC
June 19 2013
After a frustrating Season recovering from a nasty injury, prompting posts of "Wot? No Digger" which greeted the publication almost every teamsheet, at last news of one of Northampton's most popular players. Ever since Old Pete and myself, were been introduced to an officious Sale steward as "me dad and me uncle", I have a special respect for Paul. Some good news at last for Paul about next season and his future.
Diggin signs new contract with Saints
Paul Diggin's involvement with Northampton Saints will continue well into its second decade after the winger put pen to paper on a contract that will see him combine coaching with playing.
The 28-year-old Saints Academy graduate has worn the black, green and gold 148 times and has 62 tries to his name, having made his debut in 2004. A try scorer in the 2008 EDF Energy National Trophy final, Diggin has winners' medals for both the Amlin Challenge Cup and LV= Cup, and played for the Saints in the 2011 Heineken Cup final.
However, Diggin was not able to add to his tally of appearances in 2013/14, due to a serious knee injury sustained during a pre-season match against Leinster which ruled him out of the game until the final few weeks of the campaign.
During this enforced absence Diggin helped pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation, working with the Saints Academy coaching staff to develop the club's age group players.
Although his ambition to represent the Saints remains undimmed, Diggin now also has one eye firmly fixed onto the future, which is why he jumped at the chance to sign this new deal.
"I'm very excited," he said. "It's something that I've always had in the back of my mind. Obviously I've wanted to play on for as long as I could, but opportunities like this don't come along that often and I couldn't turn it down.
"I remain as committed as always to playing for the Saints, and hopefully I will get as much game time as possible this season in what will be a very exciting team. But I've got one eye very much on the future as well and I'm looking forward to working with a group of very talented young players."
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that Diggin has the ability to become a talented coach, while still offering a great deal on the playing front, too.
"Paul loves playing for the Saints and representing the town," he said. "And over the past few months it has also been obvious how much he has enjoyed working with the next generation of the club's players.
"It is good to have someone behind the scenes who can instil that appreciation of what it means to play for the club among the younger lads, who has a good understanding of the game, what we're trying to achieve, and who also knows what it takes to graduate from the Saints Academy to become a successful rugby player.
"Paul is at the stage of his career where he is looking to the future, and while we all know how much desire he still has to play for the club he has also made it apparent that he wants to become a coach, and we believe that he has the ability to bring a great deal to our Academy staff."
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Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 20/06/2013 06:15
ComeOnYouSaints.com
20/06/2013 06:15
20/06/2013 06:15
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Excellent.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
That is great news. If he can instill just 10% of his passion in the new lads it will be worth every penny.
I also hope we get to see hip play some this year. very underrated outside of the shire.
I also hope we get to see hip play some this year. very underrated outside of the shire.
every decent club needs its legends.
we've had some legends who retired and moved on , then the news come round they're over on a visit from SA or NZ or whatever and a buzz goes round the ground.
it's nice to know we've got Diggr and you know he'll be there.
I just hope the youngsters know how lucky they are.
we've had some legends who retired and moved on , then the news come round they're over on a visit from SA or NZ or whatever and a buzz goes round the ground.
it's nice to know we've got Diggr and you know he'll be there.
I just hope the youngsters know how lucky they are.
Smashing news indeed bravo Digger! You can see the pride he exudes in playing for his club in his town. The young uns are lucky indeed Ken.
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
I do remember that day after the game at Sale when St M. I were chatting to a very excited young man who had just played his first full game for Saints - he was so proud to have been up against Billy Whizz and not been found wanting.
He has gone on to be part of the beating heart and soul of this club and long may he be so.
He has gone on to be part of the beating heart and soul of this club and long may he be so.
Every club needs a few home grown players. When Diggin pulls on the shirt, he doesn't play just for himself of the club, he plays for the town and the county.
I can see Paul having a big impact next season and it will be great to have him back out on the field.
I can see Paul having a big impact next season and it will be great to have him back out on the field.
great news for the Academy and the squad.
Perhaps George will hide him in his back pocket, then if he ever gets stopped he unleash him like a stand-off missile.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:20:13:08:49 by St_Bart.
Perhaps George will hide him in his back pocket, then if he ever gets stopped he unleash him like a stand-off missile.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:20:13:08:49 by St_Bart.
Paul has that je ne sais quoi about him. That added connection to the supporters that not all players have - even home town ex academy players. They say that some players play with their heart on their sleeve. Digger plays with the Saints collective on his. He gees up the support like no other.
Great news!
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Great news!
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Now that is a lovely bit of news. Always love to see his cheeky chap grin around the ground.
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Excellent news and after such a frustrating year for him its good for him to be recognized. Still remember that try of his where he was "assisted" by Tiny. A giant of a player when it comes to passion and pride in the shirt
cracking lad, superb saint well done digger.
just make sure you coach that wee sneaky fist pump to the terrace.
just make sure you coach that wee sneaky fist pump to the terrace.
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