Fin Smith admitted guiding England to the next World Cup was a big part of his decision to sign a new ‘multi-year contract’ with Northampton and ignore the lure of R360.
The No 10 has committed his future to Saints by signing a ‘multi-year contract’ that ends talk of a move to either rugby’s proposed rebel league or Newcastle Red Bulls.
Smith, 23, became first-choice England fly-half in the 2025 Six Nations on the back of impressive form at club level and then went on to tour Australia with the Lions.
His status as a leading player at domestic level had caught the eye of R360 organisers as well as Newcastle, who are targeting top England stars after their takeover by the Austrian energy drink giants.
But Smith is staying put at Franklin’s Gardens.
He admitted continuing to play Test rugby was a big reason behind staying with the Saints. England stars who sign with R360, which is slated to begin in 2026, won’t also be eligible to play for Steve Borthwick’s national side.
England No Fin Smith has signed a new ‘multi-year’ contract with Northampton Saints
Smith has turned down the lure of breakaway league R360 to stay at Franklin’s Gardens
‘There were other options for me to explore at the end of this contract cycle, but ultimately, staying in Northampton felt right,’ Smith said.
‘A big goal I have for the next couple of years is to go to a World Cup.
‘I’ve absolutely loved my time playing at No 10 for England through the Six Nations and the autumn before.
‘That’s something I want to continue doing and a reason for me wanting to stay playing in the PREM.’
Smith joined Northampton after the demise of his boyhood club Worcester and had big boots to fill when he replaced Wales great Dan Biggar.
He has made 63 appearances and scored 589 points in Saints colours to date.
He played a key role in Northampton winning the 2023/24 PREM Rugby title and last season, helped Saints to the final of the Investec Champions Cup.
Smith is set to play a key role for England building up to and at the 2027 World Cup.
His re-signing is a significant coup for Northampton given the interest in him from elsewhere.
Smith has excelled as a Saint, earning England and Lions honours on the back of his club form
Smith in England training earlier this season. He has another big campaign ahead of him.
‘I’ve loved my time at Saints so far and feel like I’ve developed massively as a person on and off the pitch,’ said Smith, who has 11 England caps to date.
‘I turned up as a 19-year-old, probably just happy to find a team after everything that happened at Worcester.
‘I have to thank Northampton for helping me figure out who I want to be, how I want to play the game and what it means to play here. It’s shaped me in a big way.
‘I came here as a young boy who was just trying to find his feet, develop his style, and compete for the shirt.
‘Saints have elevated me towards those international honours and the Lions as well.
‘I believe being in this environment gives me the best chance to reach my potential.
‘As a club, we’re in a period where the core group have been together for a long time and I believe we can go on to be really successful.’
