"Big part of the Saints family" – Northampton Saints confirm contract extension of lock Chunya Munga

12/04/2024 07:41 AM

Chunya Munga has renewed his contract at Northampton Saints, with the Club today announcing that the second row will remain at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens beyond the 2024/25 season.

The 6' 7", 120kg lock arrived at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and has gone on to make 24 appearances in Black, Green and Gold so far in his two seasons at the Club. The 24-year-old has gone from strength to strength since becoming a Saint, and Director of Rugby Phil Dowson believes there is much more to come from Munga.

"I've been impressed by Chunya's application and ambition right from the very start of his time with us," said Dowson. "He'd been on our radar for a couple of years before signing, and once we got him into our environment it was clear to see how driven he is and how hard he works on his game – it's exceptional.

"Towards the back end of last season, we were playing well and were very consistent with our selection, meaning Chunya wasn't playing as much as he would have liked. He said to me repeatedly that he understood why, but didn't like it, and it's been fantastic to see him come in this year and really put his best foot forward for more minutes on the pitch.

"He's captained Saints a couple of times in the Premiership Rugby Cup now as well. As well as helping players to improve on the pitch, we are always looking to develop leadership, and he's definitely one of the guys who has stepped into the forefront as he drives the group well and sets a great example in how he goes about his preparation and training.

"Chunya's a big part of the Saints family now too. He's mature, responsible, and really good at looking out for other members of our squad – but at the same time he's always in amongst it and having fun too.

"We love having him in the group and are excited to see what the next few years hold in store for him.

Munga was a part of London Irish's set-up from the age of 14, progressing through the ranks with the Exiles to make his senior debut against Bristol Bears in the 2019/20 Premiership Rugby Cup.

The lock's Gallagher Premiership debut came later that season, and Munga would go on to make 53 appearances for the Exiles before the Club was placed into administration and a move to Northampton beckoned.

So far this term, Munga has started all eight of his appearances in Black, Green and Gold, captaining Saints in their Cup clashes against Leicester Tigers and Coventry Rugby – and scoring his third try for the Club against the latter. The second row is looking forward to making more memories at Saints in the years to come.

"I'm absolutely loving my time at Saints, so staying was a very easy choice," said Munga. "There's a very good group of players here – but more importantly, it's a really good group of people.

"It speaks volumes about the Club's environment that even during the periods where I wasn't in the matchday squads last season, it was still the most fun I've ever had in a rugby team. Playing with a smile on my face, aiming to be the best player I can be, and making the people that love and support me proud – that's why I love playing the game.

"The development mindset here at Saints is something I've enjoyed. We're obviously aiming to get the result at the weekend, but there's always an undertone of asking; 'how can we get better?' That's something that really resonates with me, and I'm improving as a player off the back of it.

"I always used to love coming to cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens, and to have this place as my home ground now is really special.

"The people are loud, the support is fantastic. The town is so behind what we do, the fact that people are so invested gives us that extra boost.

"As always, I've got to thank my mum. Without her support, I would never be where I am signing this new deal. She drove me up and down the country supporting me when I was younger, without really knowing what the game of rugby was beyond being something that I loved. "I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without people like her, my sister, my extended family, the people I love and care about. And to the people down at my old club Reading Abbey – they know who they are, those that who got me into the game – I'll always be thankful to them."

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