Callum Chick is proving to be a transformative signing for Northampton Saints, with the former Newcastle Falcons captain playing a pivotal role in their impressive start to the Gallagher Premiership season. The 29-year-old back-rower, who moved to Franklin's Gardens last summer after a decade on Tyneside, embodies the relentless work ethic that has become the team's trademark.
Chasing Lost Causes: The Try That Defined a Mindset
The essence of Chick's contribution was perfectly captured in a crucial moment during Saints' thrilling victory away at Bath's Recreation Ground. With Bath's Henry Arundell sprinting clear and a try seeming inevitable, Chick launched a desperate chase from behind, managing to dislodge the ball with a last-ditch tackle. Just thirteen seconds later, Northampton had scored at the other end through Henry Pollock, a stunning turnaround born from sheer determination.
Saints' director of rugby, Phil Dowson, highlighted the clip to his squad. "I wanted to highlight the work of Chicky, chugging back as fast as he possibly could," Dowson said. "That effort, that hustle back and chasing lost causes is what gave us the opportunity to re-apply pressure and go the length."
While Chick modestly admits he "sat on the floor and watched" George Hendy run 80 metres to set up the score, he insists such clinical counter-attacks are no fluke. "We pride ourselves on being one of the hardest-working teams off the ball," Chick explained. "We practise it in training and speak about it all the time so it isn't just luck, it's a skill we practice and learn."
Forging a 'Hard Edge' in the Pack
Chick's arrival has added significant steel to the Northampton pack, a key factor in their elevated league position. He points to the physical presence of players like South African lock JJ van der Mescht and a collective desire to work hard for each other as fundamental to their success.
The statistics back up his claim. Northampton currently lead the Premiership in dominant contacts, dominant carries, and dominant tackles, metrics that showcase their physical superiority. "You can have 15 fantastic rugby players who don't want to be there and you're terrible," Chick noted, emphasising the importance of squad cohesion.
A New Home and a Rugby-Obsessed Community
The move from Newcastle to Northampton has been a cultural shift for the Geordie forward, eased by the presence of fellow northerner Trevor Davison. While he jokes about still finding things to do in his new town, the welcome from the local community has been unmistakable.
"Everyone's lovely. If you wander the streets people say: 'Well done' or 'How's it going?'" Chick said. "It's a bit different from Newcastle... that's a very football-dominated city so you could wander about town pretty inconspicuously." He praised the sell-out crowds at Franklin's Gardens and the town's deep-rooted passion for rugby, which creates a powerful "community feel."
With Saints well-placed for challenges on both domestic and European fronts, Chick stressed the importance of squad rotation and depth managed by Dowson. "To get to knockout rugby you have to win games," he said. "But when knockout rugby comes, if you've had the chance to rotate and keep boys fresh, you're in a much better place."
He also expressed his pleasure at seeing Newcastle Falcons secure their future as the Red Bulls, calling it "hugely important" for the region and its people. However, his immediate focus is firmly on maintaining Northampton's momentum, starting with the upcoming clash against Harlequins.
