Northampton Saints Sign 'Big-Play' Powerhouse Ahead Of 2025-2026 Season
Northampton Saints Sign 'Big-Play' Powerhouse Ahead Of 2025-2026 Season
The Northampton Saints signed lock JJ van der Mescht from Stade Français ahead of the 2025-2026 season, bolstering their pack with Springboks talent.
The Northampton Saints have confirmed the signing of former Junior Springboks lock Juan John “JJ” van der Mescht from Stade Français ahead of the 2025-2026 Premiership Rugby season.
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The 26-year-old South African brings significant power and experience to the Saints' pack after four seasons in France’s Top 14, where he made 75 appearances and scored seven tries for the Paris-based side.
One of those came in dramatic fashion when Van der Mescht scored a 50-meter breakaway try against the Saints in a European clash at Stade Jean-Bouin in January.
Standing out for his physicality and athleticism, the 145kg lock began his professional career with the Sharks in South Africa, featuring in Super Rugby, the Rainbow Cup and the Currie Cup. He earned 23 appearances over three seasons before moving to France in 2021.
Van der Mescht also represented South Africa at the under-20 level, helping the Junior Springboks to a bronze medal at the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina, where he played five matches and scored two tries.
Saints’ Director of Rugby Phil Dowson is excited about what the imposing forward can bring to Franklin’s Gardens.
“JJ’s potential is through the roof,” Dowson said. “Our new scrum coach, Jaco Pienaar, who worked with him at the Sharks, said he’s an unbelievably powerful athlete — and he can really play. Jaco joked that JJ is a fly-half trapped in a lock’s body.”
Dowson also praised Van der Mescht’s game-changing ability, referencing his try against the Saints last season.
“He can turn matches with big plays," Dowson added. "We’ve developed quality locks here, and we believe JJ can take big strides in our environment.”
Van der Mescht joins a club known for progressing second-row talent, including the likes of David Ribbans and Alex Moon.
The Pretoria-born lock will link up with his new teammates later this month when Northampton begins pre-season training.
“I love the way the Northampton Saints play - it’s full of style and excitement,” Van der Mescht said. “After facing them last season, it was clear this is a tight-knit, talented squad. I’m looking forward to contributing and pushing my game further.”
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