Prowse loving life at Saints as he signs contract extension

Those were the words of Ed Prowse after his Saints contract extension was announced on Thursday morning.

The 25-year-old came through the club’s Academy pathway – and although he was released as an 18-year-old, he showed his resilience by gaining valuable experience at Coventry, as well as on loan at Kettering RFC and Loughborough University.

He also impressed on several outings for the Wanderers before signing his first full‑time contract ahead of the 2020/21 season, and making his senior debut against Newcastle in March 2022.

Prowse made seven further first‑team appearances over the following three seasons, while surpassing 50 outings for Saints’ partner club Bedford Blues.

Ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, the 6ft 4ins, 123kg forward transitioned from tighthead prop to second row – a move that sparked a breakthrough year. He featured in 11 matches, including appearing off the bench in the Investec Champions Cup final against Union Bordeaux Bègles.

And now he’s ready to kick on again after agreeing a new deal with Saints.

“I absolutely love this place; it’s my boyhood club, so there wasn’t much of a decision to make about staying here – there’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” Prowse said.

“The environment here is unbelievable. Everything is set up to help people become better players, and better people, too.

“The 2024/25 season was the biggest of my career so far. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, ending with me playing in a Champions Cup final at lock, even though it began with me being told in preseason that my future wasn’t at tighthead prop.

“The belief Phil Dowson and the other coaches showed in me when they said I could transition into the second row meant a lot, and that faith has really paid off. There isn’t a huge difference between the two positions – aside from the set-piece, of course – but the move has allowed me to focus more on the things I’m good at, which has been great.

“I’ve shifted my focus towards explosiveness rather than just all-out strength. I want to be a threat on both sides of the ball, dominate collisions and get my hands on the ball as much as possible. I just want to play as much as I can, keep progressing, and enjoy every minute.

“It’s unbelievable playing here at Saints in front of a full house – there’s no better feeling. We’re so fortunate to have so many sold-out games, and I absolutely love playing at cinch Stadium in front of our supporters.”