Former England prop Trevor Davison has been lined up by Northampton Saints to replace Ehren Painter, who is set to join Exeter.
The Rugby Paper’s Jon Newcombe reported that Saints are willing to pay Newcastle to buy out the final year of Davison’s contract.
Although the 30-year-old signed a three-year extension with the Falcons in 2021, which was supposed to run until the end of 2023/24, it appears that this season will be his last in the north-east.
Davison joined Newcastle Falcons in the summer of 2017 from Blaydon RFC, for whom he made over 100 appearances.
Representing England Counties on multiple overseas tours, Davison developed under the wing of Falcons legend Micky Ward during his time at Blaydon, before stepping up to the professional arena.
Working as a beer delivery man prior to his first foray into the professional game, the Denton Burn native joined Blaydon at the age of 11 and played all his rugby there before signing for the Falcons.
Making 23 first team appearances in his debut season, 13 of which came in the Premiership, Davison was part of the Falcons side which defeated Northampton in front of a club record crowd of 30,174 at St James’ Park.
Continuing his progress with another assured season in 2018-19, the Newcastle native started in the Champions Cup home games against Edinburgh and Toulon.
Helping the Falcons to promotion in 2019-20, Davison’s supremely consistent form continued as he scored two tries in 17 appearances during 2020-21, making his England debut from the bench in July 2021 in the home victory over the USA.
Davison was part of England’s training squad in June 2022 ahead of their summer tour, having scored two tries in his 22 appearances for Newcastle during the 2021-22 campaign.
Exeter Chiefs set to sign FIVE, including 21 stone tighthead-prop
Exeter Chiefs have got a serious rebuild on their hands after a sixth first team star confirmed his departure from the club.
It’s already been revealed that key players Sam Simmonds (Montpellier), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Montpellier), Joe Simmonds (Pau), Dave Ewers (Ulster), Jannes Kirsten (Bulls) and Harry Williams (Montpellier) will all leave the club.
Despite no new arrivals yet being confirmed, Baxter is known to be busy as the Exeter boss looks to rebuild his once formidable side.
Below, we take a look at five players who’ve ben linked with a move to Sandy Park.
#1. Ehren Painter
According to The Rugby Paper, Chiefs’ Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, may adhere to his existing approach of recruiting players with potential for development when seeking a replacement for Williams.
The reported target for the role is Northampton’s 24-year-old powerhouse Painter, who weighs a stunning 21 stone.
Born in London, Painter represented England at age-grade level. Having played for England Under-16s, Under-17s, and Under-18s, he was selected for the Under-20s for the Six Nations and World Rugby Under-20s Championships in France in 2018.
