Northampton Saints have confirmed three additions to their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, with James Bennett, Thomas Rowe and Ben Alexander all signing full-time contracts following successful trial periods at the Club.
All three players made their first-team debuts in Saints’ PREM Cup campaign last season and contributed to the squad’s wider preparations as Northampton went on to lift a second Gallagher PREM title in three seasons.
“With players out on loan across National One, National Two, and the CHAMP, we watch a lot of rugby outside of the Gallagher PREM,” said Saints’ director of rugby, Phil Dowson.
“Our coaching group – particularly Jim Henry, who has been working with Bedford Blues alongside Saints this season – has a strong understanding of the talent that’s out there.
“James, Tom and Ben have all spent time in our environment this season, coming in whenever their university commitments allowed. That’s given them a really valuable opportunity to continue their studies alongside experiencing what it takes to be part of a professional set-up.
“They’ve trained with us, worked in the gym, sat in meetings and already started to understand how we operate as a club. While these are new contracts for next season, they’ll arrive for pre-season with a solid grasp of what’s expected and how we want to play.”
Chiefs sign Worcester Warriors lock
Elsewhere, Exeter Chiefs have confirmed the signing of second-row Obinna Nkwocha, who will join the club from Worcester Warriors ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter spoke about the former Saracens academy graduate, saying: “We have been looking at our second-row options with Rusi Tuima moving on and the international workload that Dafydd and Andrea will be taking on this summer and into the autumn.
“We wanted to make sure we are well stocked in the second-row department. We’ve got some good young players coming through with great potential, like Joe Bailey and Oscar Beckerlegg, and Lewis Pearson too and Harry Wilson from Saracens, but I thought it was the right decision to look at Obinna.
“It did not quite work out with Saracens, so he had to rebuild his career with Championship clubs. I really like that. We’ve had numerous players who have dropped out of academies, gone to play with Championship clubs and have had that time growing up, both mentally and physically, and that’s what I’m really seeing when I watch Obinna play.
“It’s a great opportunity for him to come back into a Premiership environment and say, ‘This is my time’. I am expecting him to come in and challenge all our locks.”
Harlequins sign one-time Wallaby international
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of 29-year-old versatile prop Harry Johnson-Holmes ahead of the 2026/27 season, joining from the Western Force.
Born and raised in New South Wales, Johnson-Holmes progressed through the NSW Country Eagles and Sydney University pathways before making his Super Rugby debut for the NSW Waratahs in 2018, going on to make 91 appearances for the franchise across seven seasons before spending one season in Perth.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Harlequins for the upcoming season. To become part of a club with such a proud history, passionate supporters and a strong identity is something I’m really looking forward to,” said Johnson-Holmes.
“Having worked with Jason (Gilmore) before, I have great confidence that Harlequins is the perfect environment for me to continue developing my game. I’ve seen first-hand the impact he has on a playing group, and I can’t wait to work with him again.
“Looking at the calibre of coaches, players and support staff, the club have brought together, it’s clear there’s something special building at Harlequins. I’m excited to contribute however I can, and I can’t wait to run out at The Stoop in front of the Quins supporters.”
Head Coach, Jason Gilmore said: “Harry is an experienced operator who brings quality and versatility to our front row. His ability to play on both sides of the scrum gives us valuable flexibility and depth, and his Super Rugby pedigree will no doubt add to our group. We’re looking forward to him getting started at The Stoop.”
Crusaders duo to Japan
Last week, the Crusaders confirmed that Antonio Shalfoon and Aki Tuivailala will be heading to the Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan.
Shalfoon exits New Zealand having become a mainstay in the Crusaders’ starting team, most notably playing all 80 minutes in their Super Rugby final victory over the Chiefs in 2025. His impressive performances for the Crusaders and for NPC side Tasman also earned him a call-up to the Maori All Blacks.
Tuivailala has had limited time in a Crusaders jersey but has impressed for Waikato and the New Zealand U20s. Still only 21, the talented centre has plenty of time to hone his craft.
Patrick Pellegrini to Highlanders
The Highlanders also recently announced that Australian-born Tongan international Patrick Pellegrini will join the club for the 2027 and 2028 Super Rugby Pacific seasons. The fly-half arrives in Dunedin following an impressive rise through the English Championship, Super Rugby and the international arena, adding experience, composure, and attacking spark to the Highlanders’ playmaking group.
Pellegrini arrives from Moana Pasifika, whom he joined in 2025 and has played 16 matches for over the last two seasons.
“Patrick is a smart, composed No.10 who has proven himself in some of the toughest club competitions in the world,” said Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph.
“He’s grown his game significantly over the past few seasons and shown he can perform at international level. We believe he’ll thrive in our environment and add real value to the group.”
Pellegrini said he is excited to join the Highlanders and embrace the challenge of Super Rugby Pacific: “I’m really excited to be joining the Highlanders and taking on this new challenge and different challenge. It’s a real privilege to sign for such a great club and I can’t wait to get to work with the boys, meet the fans and make a contribution to the clubs future success.”