Wright outlines World Cup ambition after signing new deal with Saints
Craig Wright outlined his World Cup ambition after signing a new contract with Saints on Wednesday morning.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 season for his club, making 14 appearances in all competitions, including coming off the bench in the Investec Champions Cup final at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Wright has already featured in 11 of Saints’ 15 matches so far in the 2025/26 campaign, taking his total to 26 senior appearances since his debut against Ealing Trailfinders in September 2023.
A product of Saints’ Academy pathway – having joined at just 13 years old after taking up rugby with Braintree RFC a handful of months previously – Wright has also progressed impressively on the international stage.
He has represented England at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 levels, including appearances in the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship and the 2024 U20 Six Nations, helping England to secure the title.
And while he's determined to continue his rise at club level to help Saints claim silverware this season, Wright also retains strong ambitions to further his international career.
“It was an easy decision for me to stay at Saints,” Wright said. “This is my home club, it’s where I grew up, and I’ve always felt a real connection to the place.
"I’m enjoying my rugby, I’m getting good minutes, and it just felt like the right environment for me to keep pushing on.
“I love being part of this group. The detail everyone brings makes such a difference, it lifts the whole standard.
"At lineout time, having guys like Alex Coles and Tom Lockett running things and spotting the tiny cues makes my job straightforward; hit the throw and get us playing.
"It’s a brilliant feeling when it all clicks.
“As a team, we’re in a strong position in both the PREM and Europe, and if we keep our consistency and keep driving standards, there’s no reason we can’t challenge for trophies and hopefully add another star to the badge.
“Personally, I also want to push as hard as I can for England selection. That’s a dream for every player.
"If I keep improving and performing for Saints, then hopefully I can put myself in the frame – and getting to the 2027 World Cup would be an unbelievable ambition to chase.”