Saints front row duo sign new deals

The duo have both come through Northampton’s flourishing Academy system and have penned new deals to keep them at Franklin’s Gardens for the foreseeable future.

Marshall, who is now 26, made his 57th appearance in black, green and gold last weekend, having brought up his Saints half-century at the end of last season.

The hooker has eight tries to his name since his debut back in 2015, and played a key role in the Premiership Rugby Cup success in 2019, starting the final against Saracens, which Saints won 23-9.

Meanwhile, a long-term Achilles injury has restricted Hobbs-Awoyemi to just four appearances for Northampton since his return to Franklin’s Gardens from London Irish.

The 26-year-old loosehead re-signed for his hometown club in the summer of 2020, after a four-year stint with the Exiles where he made 50 appearances and helped the side gain promotion back to the Gallagher Premiership.

Like Marshall, Hobbs-Awoyemi initially rose through the ranks of Saints' age-group system, and earned some international recognition during his first spell with the club, winning back-to-back Junior World Championship titles with England Under-20s in 2013 and 2014.

“I’m delighted to get the opportunity to extend my contract with Saints again, having obviously not been able to make as big an impact on the pitch as I would have liked so far through injury,” said Hobbs-Awoyemi.

“I am thoroughly grateful to Northampton’s medical staff and strength and conditioning coaches for everything they have done so far to help me through my recovery.

"I can’t wait to pull on a black, green and gold jersey again, and run out in front of a packed-out Franklin’s Gardens when our supporters can finally return.”

Marshall added: “I’m incredibly excited to sign on again with Saints.

"Franklin’s Gardens very much feels like home having spent my entire career to date at the club, so the decision to extend my contract was an easy one.

“We have a really talented group of hard-working guys in the squad and the atmosphere around the club is special.

"We all know we can continue to improve and there’s nowhere I’d rather be playing my rugby at the moment.”

Meanwhile, another Saints front row forward, Karl Garside, will link up with Nottingham ahead of the new Championship season

The tighthead prop will represent Nottingham on a dual-registration deal.

Garside joined Saints from Ampthill in 2019 after an initial loan spell, and has made seven first-team appearances to date.