Tommy Freeman signs new deal to stay with Northampton Saints

England winger Tommy Freeman has signed a new contract with Premiership champions Northampton Saints, keeping him at Franklin's Gardens "for the foreseeable future", the club announced on 16 September 2026. The 25-year-old's commitment was confirmed as part of the club's early recruitment and retention activity.

Freeman made his Saints debut in 2019 and has accumulated 118 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 79 tries. He crossed for Saints' opening try in the 2024 Premiership final victory over Bath and again opened the scoring in their 2026 final win over Exeter Chiefs.

Following his England debut in the 2021 autumn internationals, Freeman has won 30 caps and scored 11 tries for his country. He has also played at both wing and centre for England, and made six appearances for the British and Irish Lions on their 2025 tour of Australia, including three Test matches.

Speaking to BBC Radio Northampton, Freeman said: "Its a no-brainer in terms of the coaching staff we've got," and added: "I think I'm going to grow as a player here. I don't think anywhere else at the moment is going to help me do that." He also said: "I'm performing with England as well and involved in that, and that's a big credit to Saints - giving me the opportunity and putting me on the stage to do my skills and go and impress." Freeman reflected on the club environment: "You can't really beat the players in and around us, the group of friends we've got, and the coaching staff to help me grow as a player," and said: "You want to be happy where you're playing. Being a special group, you go on to achieve something special as a group."

Saints' director of rugby Phil Dowson told the club website: "To have Tommy commit his future to the club so early in this season's recruitment and retention cycle is a huge boost for us. We're delighted that he's chosen to continue his journey with Northampton Saints." Saints head coach Sam Vesty said: "I think he'll cover more of the backline," and added: "With squads getting that little bit smaller, being able to have a couple of positions to play is a fantastic attribute, and that's one of his big strengths."

Freeman's decision to remain at Northampton follows new deals agreed by England team-mates Fin Smith, Fraser Dingwall and Alex Mitchell, while the future of Henry Pollock at the club remains uncertain. BBC Radio Northampton sports editor Graham McKechnie said: "Freeman is without doubt one of Saints' crown jewels, so re-signing him is an important boost before the start of the new season. There's been so much talk about Pollock's future at Saints, but purely in rugby terms, keeping Freeman in black, green and gold is even more important. Not only is Freeman one of the best wingers in the world, as he's shown with both the Lions and England, but he's also an important figure off the pitch for Saints. Like others before him, such as Smith, Mitchell and Dingwall, he's talked about the importance of the bond of friendship they have at the club. He may well have been able to earn more elsewhere, but having that happy work environment is clearly a big deal for him and others - as well as playing a very exciting brand of rugby."

The exact duration of Freeman's new deal has not been revealed, although he still had one season remaining on his previous contract.