Scrum-half McParland signs new Northampton contract

Archie McParland came through the academy at Northampton

Teenage scrum-half Archie McParland has signed a new contract with Premiership champions Northampton Saints.

The 19-year-old has made 25 appearances for Saints since making his debut in 2022, when he became the club's youngest player in the professional era aged 17 years and 222 days.

The England Under-20s half-back has scored twice in 16 appearances this season, missing only one of Saints' 11 Premiership matches.

The club have not stated the length of McParland's new contract but did say the deal will keep him at Franklin's Gardens "for the foreseeable future".

"We're delighted to see Archie re-sign," said director of rugby Phil Dowson.

"His work ethic is brilliant. He's somebody who has got a really good skillset and he's pushing at some of our more senior lads for game-time - he's played a lot of rugby for us this year.

"Archie's the kind of player who wants to play at speed, and play our game. His skills are excellent, in terms of passing, kicking and decision-making, and he's coming on leaps and bounds in defence as well.

"His improvements this season have been marked and that's because he pushes himself so hard, he drives himself as an individual, and the ability that you see on the weekend is a reflection of how hard he works."