Northampton Saints have successfully secured the loan signing of fly-half Charlie Savala from Edinburgh Rugby to fill the void left by the imminent departure of James Grayson, who is set to continue his career in Japan.
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Today’s confirmation of Grayson’s mid-season departure prompted swift action from the Saints, who welcomed 23-year-old Savala to their ranks with immediate effect. Savala, an English-qualified player with 33 appearances for Edinburgh since his URC debut in the 2020/21 season, brings versatility and a potent skill set to the Northampton squad.
Originally hailing from Sydney, Australia, Savala transitioned from rugby league to union, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to his craft. Standing tall at 193cm and weighing 102kg, Savala is not only a formidable presence on the field but also a proficient ball-handler and a reliable defensive asset. His impressive 93 per cent tackle success rate in the URC last season, along with an 82 per cent success rate from the tee, attests to his well-rounded abilities.
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Savala’s performances caught the eye of the Scotland coaching staff, leading to a call-up for the 2023 Six Nations as injury cover. Although he didn’t feature in the Championship, his inclusion in the national squad underscored his growing reputation in the rugby world.
Phil Dowson, the Director of Rugby at Northampton Saints, expressed his excitement about Savala’s addition to the squad, emphasizing his strong skill set, particularly in passing and kicking. Dowson acknowledged Edinburgh Rugby for facilitating Savala’s loan move, and the Saints coaching staff is eager to contribute to his development during his tenure with the club.
Charlie Savala’s rugby league background, coupled with his demonstrated abilities on the rugby union stage, positions him as a promising addition to the Saints roster as they navigate a demanding schedule ahead, including Gallagher Premiership and Investec Champions Cup fixtures.
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