Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints is an English rugby union club which plays in the Gallagher Premiership and is based in the own of Northampton. The club's traditional home colours are black, gold, and green. The team plays its home matches at Franklin's Gardens

Northampton Saints History

Originally founded in 1880 by local curate Reverend Samuel Wathen Wigg in an effort give an organised, positive outlet to the unruly boys in his parish, Northampton Saints have a history like few other rugby clubs in England. The club took its moniker from the church in which it was first based - St. James' - and began playing home matches at Franklin's Gardens, where it still plays today.

Throughout the 20th century, Northampton enjoyed mixed fortunes, but did also manage to produce several notable international players, for England as well as for other test sides. Towards the the end of the 20th century and during the era of rugby union's professionalisation, Northampton Saints improved in stature, the club reaching the top flight in 1996 after finding itself in the second tier.

The Saints' rapid rise continued, culminating with the club winning the European Champions Cup in 2000, beating Irish side Munster in the final. The club was relegated again in 2007, but returned immediately, and in 2014 won its first Premiership title. A second Premiership title followed in 2024. Northampton Saints have also won 2 Challenge Cups, as well as other domestic and regional trophies.