Premiership side Northampton Saints have confirmed that they have secured the signature of dynamic loosehead prop Tarek Haffar ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The 21-year-old made his mark for Irish this past season and looked to be one of their key building blocks over the coming years.
Yet, following the clubs devastating demise it didn’t take long for the former England U20 star to find a new home.
Having had a strong game against the Saints last season, it is understood that the midlands club had their eyes on him for quite some time.
Speaking about his move, Haffar said: “Playing against Saints a couple of times last season, it was clear that they are a really well-drilled team that is packed with talent.
“Seeing how well they did throughout the year just gone, it feels like it is a club that is really building up to something big – so, when the opportunity arose to come up to Northampton, it was something that I wanted to be a part of.
“Speaking to some of my coaches at London Irish as well, like Jonathan Fisher and Ross McMillan who have experienced playing for Saints themselves and know the coaches well, they also told me how good the set-up in Northampton is and that I would fit in well.
“Saints have a really devoted coaching group; it’s clear they work hard with the players, both on and off the pitch, to help the team connect and develop.
“I also want to be within a team that’s really pushing forward and chasing silverware, as that is obviously something I want to achieve during my career.
“It is heart-breaking to see London Irish in the situation it’s now in, but I hope some of those Exiles fans can keep their love of rugby and will continue to follow my career here at Saints, and I want to say thank you to all the coaches and supporters at London Irish for getting me to where I am.”
Northampton Saints are the latest side to capitalise on London Irish’s demise as they sign the dynamic prop Tarek Haffar. At 21 years old, he is one of the most exciting prospects in the English Game.#northamptonsaints #EnglishRugby #Rugby #PremiershipRugby pic.twitter.com/6rnqK1HsSW
— Philip Bendon (@PBendon) June 14, 2023
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