{"id":214839,"date":"2025-06-26T03:26:09","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T03:26:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/214839\/"},"modified":"2025-06-26T03:26:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T03:26:09","slug":"lions-fly-half-fin-smith-linked-with-shock-northampton-saints-exit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/214839\/","title":{"rendered":"Lions fly-half Fin Smith linked with shock Northampton Saints exit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Northampton Saints are bracing for a fierce transfer battle as red-hot fly-half Fin Smith nears the final 12 months of his contract.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s Gardens.<\/p>\n

The rise of Fin<\/p>\n

Born in Warwick but boasting Scottish roots, Smith burst onto the international scene during this year\u2019s Six Nations, starting four of England\u2019s last five matches and nudging Marcus Smith out of the No.10 jersey. It was a breakthrough campaign that saw his stock skyrocket\u2014alongside his value.<\/p>\n

Still one of the lowest-paid?<\/p>\n

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\u2019s England setup. He also scooped the RPA Players\u2019 Player of the Year award, but a new long-term Saints deal still hasn\u2019t been agreed.<\/p>\n

Tigers lurking in the tall grass<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0RugbyPass<\/a>, East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers are circling\u2014and they\u2019re ready to pounce. With \u00a3600,000 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\u2019Connor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This salary would make him England\u2019s second highest paid player behind Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell.<\/p>\n

Money talks\u2014and Saints are struggling<\/p>\n

Northampton, who picked up Smith after Worcester Warriors folded, have been vocal in support of a reduced salary cap after posting a \u00a31.7 million loss. CEO Julia Chapman says the club will post a smaller loss this year\u2014but Saints are firmly behind slashing the \u00a36.4m cap to stay sustainable.<\/p>\n

Welford Road calling?<\/p>\n

With big-money offers expected to flood in and Northampton tightening the purse strings, it\u2019s hard to see how Saints keep hold of their star playmaker. If nothing changes, don\u2019t be surprised if Smith is wearing green, white and red by this time next year. <\/p>\n

It would be one of the most controversial rugby transfers in history.<\/p>\n

EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n

Wife of British & Irish Lions Star Reveals Stunning Body Transformation<\/p>\n

The spotlight isn\u2019t just on the pitch\u2014off it, the partners of British & Irish Lions players are making headlines of their own.<\/strong><\/p>\n

One in particular has stunned fans with an incredible body transformation that\u2019s turning heads across social media. But she\u2019s not the only one catching attention.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll take a closer look at some of the most glamorous and inspiring WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) of the Lions squad\u2014featuring standout women from England, Scotland, and Ireland who are making their own mark beyond the rugby world.<\/p>\n

ENGLAND<\/p>\n

Meet Chloe Rose \u2013 the woman behind the England hook<\/strong>er (Luke Cowan-Dickie)<\/p>\n

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\u2019s been making waves of her own.<\/p>\n

Chloe has kicked off a serious fitness journey \u2013 and the results speak for themselves. Her latest transformation has fans double-taking. Check out her progress on Instagram\u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n

The couple\u2019s biggest team effort? Their son, Arlo \u2013 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:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSo this is my little man, Arlo Cowan-Dickie, and he is already my [world]. Thanks for the kind messages \u2013 him and mum are doing great.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

From pitchside snaps to heartwarming family moments, Chloe and Luke aren\u2019t shy about giving followers a peek behind the scenes. And fans can\u2019t get enough.<\/p>\n

Beth Dolling \u2013 Singer, Model, and Marcus\u2019s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating\u00a0Beth Dolling<\/strong>, a 25-year-old singer and model who\u2019s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s often snapped in glammed-up couples\u2019 pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all:\u00a0\u201cNo matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

They\u2019ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth\u2019s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.<\/p>\n

Mimi Fall \u2013 The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall \u2013 just weeks before the tour kicks off.<\/p>\n

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. \u201cIt was a beautiful resort,\u201d Maro told the\u00a0Daily Mail. \u201cI popped the question there.\u201d Job done.<\/p>\n

Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing:\u00a0\u201cMrs I to be.\u201d\u00a0Cue the collective swoon.<\/p>\n

Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London\u2019s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all \u2013 pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.<\/p>\n

Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
\u201cScripture says it is not good for man to be alone\u2026 I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ashleigh Inwood \u2013 Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating\u00a0Ashleigh Inwood<\/strong>\u00a0for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy\u2019s England career.<\/p>\n

Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute:\u00a0\u201cFive years. Forever grateful for your support.\u201d
But don\u2019t worry \u2014 there\u2019s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to\u00a0MailOnline: \u201cOur girlfriends aren\u2019t happy because they think we like each other more than them!\u201d<\/p>\n

Meg \u2013 Keeps herself out of the spotlight (Ellis Genge)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Nancy Neath \u2013 Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prop Will Stuart\u2019s girlfriend\u00a0Nancy Neath<\/strong>\u00a0is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that\u2019s got serious aesthetic game.<\/p>\n

The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed:\u00a0\u201cMy girlfriend chose a new mattress \u2014 it\u2019s too soft. I\u2019ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.\u201d\u00a0Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.<\/p>\n

Gracie Hand \u2013 The long-term couple (Fin Smith)<\/p>\n

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

Michelle Daly \u2013 From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter,\u00a0Orla<\/strong>, born in July 2024.<\/p>\n

Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary:\u00a0\u201cOne month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.\u201d
They\u2019ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby\u2019s power couples.<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/strong><\/p>\n

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