Saints Q&A: Tom Vickers talks to influential back row forward Callum Chick

But now he’s part of one that is at the top as Saints claimed a superb 41-21 win at The Rec last Saturday night to knock Bath off the summit going into 2026.

On Tuesday afternoon, Chick made his way to the weekly media session to discuss that outstanding success, in which he was Saints captain, and a variety of other topics.

Here’s our Q&A with the former Newcastle skipper…

Q: Robbie Smith said he spent Christmas day with you and a few other Saints players. How was it?

A: “We were at Rammy's (James Ramm’s) for Christmas so that was nice.

"It was eight of us who couldn't get home so it was nice. It was a bit different because we couldn't get on the beers unfortunately so we just chilled out, played some games, had some food and it was good.”

Q: Two days later, you had the game at Bath. How much did you enjoy that?

A: “It was obviously an amazing away win.

"Those sorts of wins, you have to enjoy.

"People forget these wins are big things for us and if you don't enjoy them then what's the point?

"Being able to go down there and do the job we knew we could do was a real tick in the box for us.”

Q: You made a huge tackle on Henry Arundell that obviously led to a Saints try. What were your highlights from the win at The Rec?

A: “A few boys slowed him down beforehand so it was alright!

"The most pleasing thing (about the win at Bath) was that there was a lot of noise from the outside before the game and for us to go out there and show how good we can be, regardless of what other people are saying, was a really big thing.

"Everyone showed up and did their job exceptionally well so it just shows how much strength in depth we have within this group, which is hugely exciting.”

Q: How great is it to be part of this Saints squad?

A: "It's hugely exciting and, moving forward, there's hopefully opportunities for some knockout rugby and hopefully finishing in the top four.

"That's the end goal, but we're not really looking further ahead than this weekend at the minute because to get there, you have to win games.

"There's no point in worrying about what could be, we'll worry about what is this weekend as Quins come here.”

Q: Quickly moving on to Quins has clearly been a big message this week…

A: “You do enjoy the win at Bath and review it, but once that's done, it's done and we won't speak about it.

"It was a good performance, but that good performance is done now and we've got to back it up.”

Q: What have you made of Quins so far this season?

A: "They've obviously struggled a little bit in the league, but Quins are dangerous. When they get it right, they're as good as anyone.

"They've got some fantastic players who, given the opportunity, will score points and put us under pressure so we've got to make sure we stick to what we did last weekend.

"We've got to get our DNA right and just focus on what we do. It doesn't really matter what team shows up here because if we get our stuff right, we can beat anyone.

Q: It will be yet another sell-out at the Gardens this weekend. How much does that mean to you?

A: “It is amazing and turning up here to a full Franklin's Gardens is special.

"It's the new year game so hopefully everyone will be in good spirits and to get the opportunity to run out here as a home player now, I really enjoy it.”

Q: Would you say Quins are a wounded animal?

A: “I wouldn't say that, but if you're going to put it in those terms, wounded animals are pretty dangerous, aren't they?

"They're turning up here and anything could happen.

"I saw the interview post-game last weekend where they said the PREM's gone now, but we're not even halfway through the season yet and if they're coming up here with the shackles off and no pressure on them, that's a dangerous place to be because they can play some very good rugby under that.

"It's about making sure we focus on us and doing what we do, and if we do that then we'll be fine, but if we give them an opportunity to play how Quins want to play, it's going to be a tough game.”

Q: Has life at Saints been everything you’d hoped for so far?

A: “I've absolutely loved it.

"Winning games of rugby is a big thing, the lads are really good, the coaches are obviously really good and everyone is lovely.

"I've felt like I've fitted in straight away, it's been an easy transition and for me, just being able to enjoy rugby again has been hugely important.”

Q: How much have you enjoyed playing on the front foot in matches?

A: “It's been nice playing on the front foot with internationals around you who see the game a certain way and who help everyone else out as well so I'm really enjoying the opportunity to play off front-foot ball.”

Q: Does it give you more of a chance to show what you can do?

A: “Yeah, 100 per cent.

"It sort of takes away that pressure of having to worry about certain things and it means you can just focus on yourself a bit more and do the best you can do.”

Q: How much are you enjoying the back row competition at Saints?

A: “It's good and it's important to any squad to keep everyone on their toes.

"I think it's all the way across the board, looking at back row, back three, props, hookers, second rows. Across the board, it's competitive and I think the reason we're playing such good rugby is because our training level is so high that everyone's got to be on the ball or you've got someone breathing down your neck to take your shirt.”

Q: How much did you enjoy Josh Kemeny’s try against Sale Sharks the other week?

A: “I obviously live with Kem so I was buzzing. I was out of my seat.

"He had a shoulder op at the beginning of the year and he's been in and out with a few little niggles so seeing him stumbling towards the try line was great.

"He didn't make me watch it back. He's a very humble, good bloke.”