Northampton lock Munga signs new deal

Chunya Munga featured for England at both under-18 and under-20 level

Lock Chunya Munga has signed a new contract to stay with Premiership title holders Northampton Saints beyond this season.

The 120kg 24-year-old, who stands 6ft 7in, joined Saints in the summer of 2023 following the demise of his former club London Irish.

Munga, a former England Under-20 international, has made 24 appearances for Northampton in all competitions.

He played 14 times in the league last season to help Saints to the title, although he did not feature in their Grand Final win against Bath at Twickenham.

"Towards the back end of last season, we were playing well and were very consistent with our selection, meaning Chunya wasn't playing as much as he would have liked," Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson told the club website.

"He said to me repeatedly that he understood why, but didn't like it, and it's been fantastic to see him come in this year and really put his best foot forward for more minutes on the pitch.

"We love having him in the group and are excited to see what the next few years hold in store for him."

Munga has started eight games for Northampton this season and captained Saints in their Premiership Rugby Cup games against Leicester Tigers and Coventry.

He said he is "absolutely loving" his time with Saints and extending his stay was "a very easy choice".

"It speaks volumes about the club's environment that even during the periods where I wasn't in the matchday squads last season, it was still the most fun I've ever had in a rugby team," Munga said.

"Playing with a smile on my face, aiming to be the best player I can be, and making the people that love and support me proud – that's why I love playing the game."