Northampton Saints sign former Connacht lock Gavin Thornbury on short-term deal

Northampton Saints have announced the signing of locks Will Spencer and Gavin Thornbury on short-term contract.

Thornbury made his professional rugby debut with Leinster in 2015 and switched to Connacht in 2017. He has played 77 games for Connacht including 19 games for the club last campaign that saw him earn a place in the Pro14 Dream Team that season.

Meanwhile. Spencer Spencer made his senior debut in 2013 before spending time on loan at London Welsh and helping them top the Championship that season.

He played 30 games for Worcester and 33 matches for Leicester before returning to Bath in 2020.

The duo will provide cover to Emeka Atuanya and Tom Lockett, who are rehabilitating from shoulder and pectoral injuries respectively.

“I played alongside Will at Worcester Warriors, and Sam Vesty coached him there too, so we know him well,” said Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson.

“Will feels he still has a lot to offer the game. He’s got a lot of experience in the Premiership and he’s played a lot of games over his career – that knowledge is vital.

“Something we’re always looking for in the second row is a real set-piece focus, and that’s something you get with Will. He’s a big man who’s happy to get involved across the park, and hit hard.

“Will wanted the chance to prove he’s still got something to offer the Premiership, and we always like players who are desperate for an opportunity to play and compete, so we’re delighted to have him on board.”