Locks Both Gavin Thornbury and Will Spencer have signed short-term contracts with the Northampton Saints.
For the first several months of the 2024–25 season, Spencer, 32, and Thornbury, 30 have teamed up with the men in Black, Green, and Gold to cover injuries.
Currently recovering from pectoral and shoulder ailments, respectively, Saints’ second-row tandem is without Emeka Atuanya and Tom Lockett. Temo Mayanavanua has just returned from international duty after leading Fiji to victory in the Pacific Nations Cup last weekend.
Spencer travels from Soyaux-Angoulême, a French Pro D2 team, to Northampton. With 76 appearances in the Gallagher Premiership over stints with Worcester Warriors, Leicester Tigers, and Bath Rugby, the 6’7″ lock is no stranger to the league.
We’re always seeking a strong set-piece presence in the second row, and Will brings that. He’s a big player who engages all over the field and plays tough.
“Will is eager to showcase his skills in the Premiership, and we value players who are keen for opportunities, so we’re thrilled to have him.”
Meanwhile, Thornbury joins us from Connacht Rugby, where he made 77 appearances over seven seasons.
A graduate of Blackrock College and University College Dublin, he started in Leinster’s Academy and had a brief stint in New Zealand, helping Wanganui win the Meads Cup before joining Connacht during the 2016/17 season.
The 6’8” lock debuted the following year, earning a spot in the Pro14 Dream Team in 2020/21 with 19 matches. Now, with his short-term switch to Northampton, Saints Director of Rugby Dowson is excited to have the former Ireland Under-20s and Irish Wolfhounds lock on board.
He noted, “Gavin has already immersed himself in our setup at Saints.”
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