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Premiership leaders secure Ealing Trailfinders captain
Northampton Saints have announced the signing of back-row forward Josh Taylor from Championship leaders Ealing Trailfinders for the 2026-27 season, bolstering their squad with a player who has impressed as club captain at just 23 years old.
Taylor's journey from debut to leadership
Taylor made his senior debut for Ealing in the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2023 and has since become a key figure for the west London club. The former Scotland Under-20 international has featured in 39 matches across all competitions, scoring 11 tries. This season alone, he has played 19 times and contributed seven tries as Ealing edge closer to an unbeaten Championship campaign, having won all 24 games so far.
Praise for work ethic and character
Northampton's director of rugby, Phil Dowson, highlighted Taylor's leadership qualities and dedication as major factors in the signing. "Josh comes to Saints with an excellent reputation from a character point of view, particularly in terms of his work ethic," Dowson said. "He's taken on the captaincy at Ealing at a very young age, leading a group of highly talented and experienced players, which speaks volumes about him as a person."
Dowson added that the club is eager to see how Taylor's leadership translates to their environment and how he will push himself to reach the next level.
Taylor's excitement for the move
Taylor expressed his enthusiasm for joining Northampton, citing the club's current standing in the Premiership and the coaching staff's commitment to player development. "Where Saints are currently sitting in the Prem speaks for itself - it's one of the best clubs in the country, and exactly where I want to be," he told the Saints website.
"From the very first conversations with Northampton, it was clear how invested the coaches are in developing players here. The Champ is a fantastic place to learn your trade - the speed of the game, the physicality and the level of competition have all helped me grow, and that platform has allowed me to earn this opportunity."
Josh Taylor
Northampton's recent form and squad updates
The Saints recently edged out title rivals Bath in a high-scoring 12-try thriller, further cementing their position at the top of the Premiership. The club has also secured the future of full-back Pater with a new deal and has expressed delight at the progress of young talent Litchfield.
