Boyd's trust has seen Fraser grow

SAINTS centre Fraser Dingwall credits the trust Chris Boyd places in his young players for leading him to the fringes of the England team.

- JEREMY BLACKMORE

The call-up to Eddie Jones’ wider squad for this year’s Six Nations crowned a breakthrough 18 months in the youngster’s career.

Boyd arrived at Northampton as director of rugby in 2018, a key year for Dingwall who made his senior debut that October and skippered a strong England U20s in the Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship.

Dingwall, 21, said: “Chris is massive in putting trust into players. He’s a very honest man, you always know where you stand. So, it fills you with confidence to go and do your own thing.”

Dingwall was one of a trio of young Saints players to be called-up by Jones in January.

Cambridge-born Dingwall has made 25 senior appearances under Boyd including a memorable debut in the 2018 Midlands derby against Leicester. That game was played at Twickenham to raise money for former Northampton centre Rob Horne, who presented Dingwall with his shirt.

Dingwall acknowledges that his Saints teammates have played a key role in his development.