Fraser Dingwall has taken over as Northampton Saints captain for the upcoming PREM Rugby season, stepping into the role after George Furbank's move to league rivals Harlequins. At 27 years old, Dingwall's entire rugby career has been rooted in the Saints, starting from his days in the academy at age 13, leading up to his first team debut in 2018.
Having represented England internationally and accumulating 10 caps thus far, Dingwall has a rich history of leadership experiences at Northampton, often taking on the captaincy in matches when previous captains were unavailable. His journey through the ranks has seen him play 168 matches for the Saints, contributing significantly to their recent PREM title win and their advance to the Investec Champions Cup final.
"It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be asked to captain the club. When you look at the list of players who’ve done it before, it’s incredibly special to be part of that group," said Dingwall.
Dingwall's roots with the Saints are deep, starting from his early days as a supporter. He credits former captains like Dylan Hartley and George Furbank, alongside teammates such as Lewis Ludlam, for shaping his leadership style. There's a focus on nurturing leadership within the team, acknowledging that strong leadership is a collective effort that enhances team performance and standards.
Director of rugby Phil Dowson expressed his pleasure with Dingwall's appointment, emphasizing his growth and suitability for the role. "Over the last couple of seasons, he’s stepped up and shown exactly the qualities you want from a captain," noted Dowson.
"To our supporters, I’d just like to say thank you. Your support makes a huge difference to us, and we have a responsibility to represent you in a way that makes you proud. We’ll be doing everything we can to create more great memories and enjoy more success together, and I can’t wait to get this season started," Dingwall added.
Phil Dowson further praised Dingwall's off-field demeanor, highlighting his intelligence and ability to foster relationships throughout the club. The focus remains on continuity in leadership development, ensuring a robust support system for the new captain through his peers and the broader team dynamics.
The Saints community is buzzing with anticipation for the start of the new season, with the team and supporters alike eager to see how Dingwall's leadership unfolds on the field. The squad is poised to begin their campaign under Dingwall's captaincy, striving to replicate and surpass their recent successes.
As the new season approaches, the Northampton Saints look to their new captain to guide them towards further victories and memorable moments, continuing the proud traditions of the club and fostering an environment of shared leadership and responsibility.
