Northampton Saints sign Exeter Chiefs pair Alfie Petch and Aaron Hinkley
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Truro-born Alfie Petch had three seasons in the Exeter Chiefs first-team squad between 2018 and 2021
Northampton Saints have signed Aaron Hinkley and Alfie Petch from Exeter Chiefs on long-term contracts.
Flanker Hinkley, 23, had a trial period with Saints and appeared in their last two Premiership games.
Tighthead prop Petch, 22, played 22 games for the Cornish Pirates on a dual-registration deal as they finished third in the Championship.
The pair both played for England in the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina in 2019.
Aaron Hinkley (centre) made his Northampton debut in the 32-31 win over Harlequins on 29 April
Hinkley has featured twice for the Saints - as a replacement in the win against Harlequins last month and from the start in the narrow defeat at Saracens last time out.
"It speaks volumes about Aaron's character that - after such a long time away from playing any competitive rugby - he was able to come into the side in a crucial Premiership match and play at an outstanding level," said Phil Dowson, the current Northampton forwards coach, but next season's director of rugby.
"We think the ceiling is high for him and we're excited to sign him up on a long-term deal."