By ComeOnYouSaints.com
February 21 2013

Northampton Saints today announced that James Wilson has signed a new contract with the club.

The 29-year-old New Zealander is the second player this week to have agreed a new deal to stay at Franklin's Gardens.

Wilson arrived in Northampton last summer after a year-long spell at Bourgoin, with the majority of his career having been spent playing for Southland in the ITM Cup and Ranfurly Shield.

After his time in France was abruptly curtailed Wilson says he has settled in at Franklin's Gardens and had no hesitation in signing a second contract to stay in the East Midlands.

"I'm very happy and over the moon, to put it lightly," he said. "I'm very grateful for the opportunity that Jim and the rest of the coaches have given me and to sign a new deal to stay at Franklin's Gardens is fantastic.

"The team environment has been great to be a part of. Everyone gets along with each other and we try to play a good brand of rugby. We're trying to be as good a team as we can and I can see us getting a lot better over the next few years."

In his short time in the black, green and gold Wilson has worn both the 15 and 14 shirts, and played in the centres during pre-season. Some players shy away from the 'utility' tag, but the Invercargill-born Wilson embraces it.

"Throughout my career it's been a positive," he added. "It's got me into teams where I may not have otherwise have played. Here it's been a positive - I've played at full back and on the wing, and am an option for the coaches in the centre as well. I'm happy to play that role as a utility player."

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder is happy that Wilson has put pen to paper once again.

"We have been impressed by James in his short time at the club," he commented. "He has played well in a number of positions and gives us plenty of flexibility within the squad. He has a strong skill set and understands the game well. I'm very happy that he has signed again with us and am sure that he will continue to contribute in the coming seasons."

News: Wilson Signs New Contract With Saints

Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 21/02/2013 10:12

ComeOnYouSaints.com
21/02/2013 10:12

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ChrisG
21/02/2013 10:14

Good news, but no mention of the wonderful supporters? Is the new found love affair between club and fans over already?

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Gwendoline
21/02/2013 10:17

Delighted but why did it take so long ?

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Chris Hoddle
21/02/2013 10:46

Good news keep them coming!

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tws
21/02/2013 10:50

Of course he plays 10 as well and kicks goals.

I wonder whether we've now got enough options at 10. Myler as first choice , with a bit of Fotuali'i and Wilson . Plus Hooley as back up and young Sam Olver next on the blocks coming into the academy.I doubt if Tom May will be around too much longer, but who knows?

Another senior half half could lead to someone being seriously underemployed . On the other hand, a long term Myler inhury could lead to problems.

To answer Gwendoline's question on another thread, it's a complicated jigsaw that takes a lot of working out.

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Duckonstilts
21/02/2013 11:06

Good News.

Happy with this. I dont think we have seen all he has to offer yet.

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Saint Tim
21/02/2013 11:06

Signing and announcing can also be very different timescales.



“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

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Broonie
21/02/2013 11:16

Tim, i'm hoping you're right.

tipping my cap to London Fashion Week, I'm very much hoping in recruitment terms that 2013 is NOT the new 2012

if you jot down the known and suspected leavers and then jot down the known and suspected arrivals, it paints a picture that so far would warm the heart of the beaniest of bean counters only.

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riverlodge
21/02/2013 11:51

good news to my mind.

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tedge
21/02/2013 12:38

Hasn't been seen at 10 so far. Clearly has all the usual Kiwi skills - not sure about his pace.

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MoANjAm
21/02/2013 12:40

Quote:

ChrisG
Good news, but no mention of the wonderful supporters? Is the new found love affair between club and fans over already?

Can you blame them Chris? A quick glance at this board at the wrong time is enough to turn anyone to drink.

"sup·port·er"

Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.

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saintian
21/02/2013 13:29

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ElmaFudd.
21/02/2013 15:28

Quote:

MoANjAm
Can you blame them Chris? A quick glance at this board at the wrong time is enough to turn anyone to drink.

Make mine a London Pride please

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Howlin
21/02/2013 16:21

Just the one Elma ?

Saint til I die

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ElmaFudd.
21/02/2013 17:08

what can I say Howlin I'm a light weight

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Chris Wearmouth
21/02/2013 17:50

Watch the video interview, Chris...

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Saint Maul
21/02/2013 18:02

Wilson and Pisi have proved good signings. Waldouck and Van Veltze had big boots to fill so my disappointment partly stems from losing Downey and Wilson and just hope they improve.

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SaintsDuncan
21/02/2013 19:18

Pretty darn pleased with that!

Well done James/The Club

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Broonie
22/02/2013 16:03

even if we don't use him at 10/12, he's still a good signing, somewhat in the mold of Hamilton at Tigers only a slightly more attacking version.

when it comes to rugby, kiwis are a pretty safe bet.

starting off with an instinctive knowledge of the game is a definite advantage.

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St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad
23/02/2013 07:37

Last match at the gardens Wilson spotted a move yelled at ken to push up and it shut May down on what would have been a run in. Great vision...but then miscommunication between him and George led to that breakaway try. Not sure who was at fault. I like Wilson a lot. He feels safe!

No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.

Dryathlon

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