Northampton Saints are bracing for a fierce transfer battle as red-hot fly-half Fin Smith nears the final 12 months of his contract.

The 22-year-old has rapidly become one of the most sought-after talents in the Premiership, and rival clubs are circling. With his stock rising fast, Saints could face a major fight to keep their rising star at Franklin’s Gardens.

The rise of Fin

Born in Warwick but boasting Scottish roots, Smith burst onto the international scene during this year’s Six Nations, starting four of England’s last five matches and nudging Marcus Smith out of the No.10 jersey. It was a breakthrough campaign that saw his stock skyrocket—alongside his value.

Still one of the lowest-paid?

Despite helping Saints lift the Premiership trophy in 2024 and being named in the Team of the Season, Smith remains one of the lowest-paid players in Steve Borthwick’s England setup. He also scooped the RPA Players’ Player of the Year award, but a new long-term Saints deal still hasn’t been agreed.

Tigers lurking in the tall grass

According to RugbyPass, East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers are circling—and they’re ready to pounce. With £600,000 reportedly available to spend, Neil Fissler claims Tigers are planning a bold swoop, while also eyeing a short-term deal for Australian playmaker James O’Connor.

This salary would make him England’s second highest paid player behind Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell.

Money talks—and Saints are struggling

Northampton, who picked up Smith after Worcester Warriors folded, have been vocal in support of a reduced salary cap after posting a £1.7 million loss. CEO Julia Chapman says the club will post a smaller loss this year—but Saints are firmly behind slashing the £6.4m cap to stay sustainable.

Welford Road calling?

With big-money offers expected to flood in and Northampton tightening the purse strings, it’s hard to see how Saints keep hold of their star playmaker. If nothing changes, don’t be surprised if Smith is wearing green, white and red by this time next year.

It would be one of the most controversial rugby transfers in history.

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Wife of British & Irish Lions Star Reveals Stunning Body Transformation

The spotlight isn’t just on the pitch—off it, the partners of British & Irish Lions players are making headlines of their own.

One in particular has stunned fans with an incredible body transformation that’s turning heads across social media. But she’s not the only one catching attention.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most glamorous and inspiring WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) of the Lions squad—featuring standout women from England, Scotland, and Ireland who are making their own mark beyond the rugby world.

ENGLAND

Meet Chloe Rose – the woman behind the England hooker (Luke Cowan-Dickie)

Hailing from Cornwall, Chloe is the long-time partner of Luke Cowan-Dickie and a regular face in the stands, proudly backing her man through thick and thin. But lately, she’s been making waves of her own.

Chloe has kicked off a serious fitness journey – and the results speak for themselves. Her latest transformation has fans double-taking. Check out her progress on Instagram here.

The couple’s biggest team effort? Their son, Arlo – born during the 2020 Six Nations after Chloe announced her pregnancy just ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Luke shared the news with fans at the time:

“So this is my little man, Arlo Cowan-Dickie, and he is already my [world]. Thanks for the kind messages – him and mum are doing great.”

From pitchside snaps to heartwarming family moments, Chloe and Luke aren’t shy about giving followers a peek behind the scenes. And fans can’t get enough.

Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)

Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.

She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”

They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.

Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)

The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.

The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.

Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: “Mrs I to be.” Cue the collective swoon.

Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.

Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
“Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!”

Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)

Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.

Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”

Meg – Keeps herself out of the spotlight (Ellis Genge)

Fellow England vice-captain Ellis Genge is in a relationship with his partner Meg. The blonde beauty often stays out of the spotlight, so not much is known about her, however, the pair share two sons, who Ellis absolutely dotes on.

Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)

Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.

The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.

Gracie Hand – The long-term couple (Fin Smith)

Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.

Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)

Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.

Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”
They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.

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