Premiership: Northampton Saints sign England hooker Curtis Langdon
Northampton Saints have announced the signing of England international hooker Curtis Langdon.
The 25-year-old will join the club ahead of the 2023/24 Premiership season from Top 14 side Montpellier.
Premiership experience
Langdon moved across the channel to Montpellier after his former club, Worcester Warriors, were placed into administration. This followed a six-year stint with Sale Sharks in the Premiership, racking up 89 appearances and scoring 14 tries.
The 107kg hooker also represented England at U20s level and made his senior Test debut in 2021, earning caps against the USA and Canada.
Saints’ director of rugby Phil Dowson said he was an admirer of Langdon during his Sale Sharks stint and looks forward to working with the hooker next season.
“I’ve always really enjoyed watching Curtis play in the Gallagher Premiership throughout his time with Sale and Worcester,” he said.
“He’s tough, aggressive, and relentless in everything he does on the pitch – but he’s also got a high skill level, and we want our hookers to be able to get their hands on the ball around the park.
He added: “I love his attitude towards his training and his own improvement; he’s a very ambitious guy, and no doubt he is hoping to add to the international caps he already has under his belt.
“Curtis is a straight-talking, no-nonsense sort of player with a bit of edge. He’s been going well for Montpellier since his move there, so we’re really looking forward to bringing him into our environment, and I’m confident he’ll be a great fit for us.”
Langdon is eager to add value to the Saints pack and play at Franklin’s Gardens, a ground he has always enjoyed playing at.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to return to the Premiership and thrilled to do it at a massive club in Northampton Saints,” he said.
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“Saints have a young and exciting squad, full of internationals and English players, which I’m eager to be a part of. I hope I can add some value to the group and help to drive the club forwards.
He added: “I met with Phil Dowson and the rest of Saints’ coaches before I came out to France. They are an enthusiastic group of coaches with a clear vision for the future – speaking to them, it was obvious that coming to Northampton was going to be really good for my development as a player.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing at Franklin’s Gardens, too; the atmosphere around the ground is fantastic on matchday, and it’s a great pitch to play on.”
Eyeing a Test recall
Langdon said his decision to join Saints was partly driven by his desire to play for his country again.
“Putting my hand up for England selection again was definitely part of the decision to come to Northampton,” he added.
“I want to do everything I can to play well and help Saints first and foremost, but if that goes to plan, I’d love to get another opportunity at international level.”