Aaron Hinkley, Flanker, says that his move to Northampton Saints gave him a “spring of life” after considering retiring.
Hinkley has been featured three times by Saints and was his first Premiership appearance in 19 months.
Hinckley stated that she has found a little love for the game once again.
Hinkley started his career in Gloucester, before moving to Devon for the 2020-21 season. However, he sustained a knee injury during his second Premiership match.
After more than a decade of not playing competitive rugby, he was able to get back on the field in October after a loan move from Championship side Coventry.
Hinkley was a two-time Premiership Cup player for the Chiefs. However, he did not make it back to the Premiership side. He took up the opportunity to kick-start his career at Welford Road by taking up a trial period that has led to a contract.
Hinkley stated that he believed the opportunity to find another top-flight team might have passed.
He said, “I was closer to fully retiring and not playing anymore.”
“I was not enjoying my rugby and wasn’t enjoying where I was at the time and needed to change.
“Northampton gave me a new spring in my life. I’m now enjoying it.”
“I’ve been thinking about the game since I got here”
Hinkley had his chance to be a replacement for the first-half in Saints’ thrilling 32-31 win over Harlequins At the end of April, he played twice more to help them secure their semi-final play-off spot and a eagerly-awaited meeting with Leicester Tigers on Sat.
He said, “Northampton’s style of rugby suits me well and everything seems to have been going really well. The coaching style also suits me.”
“I need to increase my carrying skills now. That’s part I’m pushing.”
Hinkley said that he couldn’t have asked for a better match with Tigers on their horizon and Saints in their first Premiership final since 2014.
“It’s an amazing relief that I can actually play rugby. It’s awesome to have a club that supports me and believes strongly in me,” he stated.
“I can’t get enough of the East Mids derby. Growing up, my favorite place was Gloucester-Bath. It’s very similar.
“I have been thinking about this game since the moment I arrived. It’s so exciting to play the derby in the semi finals.
