Another former Wasps player secures a new deal

NEWS: The 33-year-old experienced hooker Tom Cruse has signed with Northampton Saints until the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

Cruse spent a bult of his time at Wasps where he developed into one of the most consistent and mobile hookers in England’s top flight during his six seasons with them, scoring 21 tries in 114 appearances for the six-times English Champions.

Then the club was placed into administration in 2022.

"Tom will bring a huge amount of experience and quality to our group, so we’re delighted to have him on board," said Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson. "He’s a tough player and very consistent in the set-piece area as well.

"I always enjoyed watching him play for Wasps so I am confident he will make an important contribution in Black, Green and Gold for the remainder of the season."

The 100kg hooker began his career with local club Stockport, rising through the ranks in Sale Sharks’ academy and impressing with Macclesfield in National Two North before securing a move to Championship outfit Rotherham Titans – during a two-season spell at Clifton Lane, Cruse scored 11 tries in 44 appearances, and was named in the Championship Dream Team as the league’s stand-out hooker.

That caught the attention of London Irish, where he made 14 appearances during the 2015/16 season, before a move to Wasps beckoned. Cruse was named the club’s Players’ Player of the Season during the 2017/18 campaign when he racked up 24 appearances and seven tries.

Cruse joins the men in Black, Green and Gold from United Rugby Championship side Edinburgh Rugby, having moved north of the border on a short-term deal earlier this season. He also played for the Barbarians against Bath Rugby in November, starting for the invitational side as they claimed a last-minute win.