Northampton Saints: The Ultimate Guide to the Black, Green and Gold

Northampton Saints are a professional rugby union club based in Northampton, England, currently competing in the Gallagher Premiership, the top flight of English rugby. Established in 1880, the club plays its home matches at the iconic Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, which has a capacity of approximately 15,250 spectators. As of 2026, the Saints remain one of England’s most successful and storied clubs, having secured seven major titles, including the European Champions Cup in 2000 and Premiership Rugby titles in 2014 and 2024. 

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the club’s origins as a “boys’ improvement class,” its fierce “East Midlands Derby” rivalry with Leicester Tigers, and the latest 2025/26 season developments under Director of Rugby Phil Dowson. We will also provide essential visitor information for matchdays, details on the world-class High Performance Centre, and a deep dive into the legendary players who have worn the famous black, green, and gold jersey.

Club Origins and Early History

Northampton Saints was founded in 1880 by Reverend Samuel Wathen Wigg, a curate at St. James’ Church, originally under the name Northampton St. James. Wigg’s primary goal was to provide a “boys’ improvement class” to channel the energy of local youth into the sport of rugby, earning the club its enduring nicknames, “The Saints” and “Jimmies.”

The club quickly rose to prominence within the English rugby landscape, producing its first international player, Harry Weston, in 1900. By 1905, the Saints famously hosted the “Original All Blacks” from New Zealand; despite a heavy 32–0 defeat, the club added a gold stripe to their jersey to commemorate the occasion, creating the iconic tricolor kit used today.

European Glory and Domestic Success

The dawn of the professional era in 1995 saw the Saints become a major force in both domestic and European competitions under the ownership of local businessman Keith Barwell. Their greatest continental achievement came in May 2000, when they defeated Munster 9–8 in the Heineken Cup Final at Twickenham to become champions of Europe.

Domestically, the Saints reached the pinnacle of English rugby in 2014 by winning the Premiership title after a dramatic extra-time victory over Saracens. Ten years later, they repeated this feat in 2024, further solidifying their status as one of the “Big Four” clubs in English rugby and a consistent contender for silverware.

The East Midlands Derby Rivalry

The rivalry between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers is widely regarded as the most intense and historic “local derby” in English rugby union. Known as the East Midlands Derby, matches between the two clubs often attract sell-out crowds and are characterized by fierce physicality and immense local pride.

This rivalry dates back over a century and is fueled by the proximity of the two cities, which are separated by just 35 miles. Whether playing for the Mobbs Memorial Match or Premiership points, a “Saints vs. Tigers” fixture is considered a highlight of the sporting calendar in the region.

cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens

The club has played at Franklin’s Gardens since the late 19th century, transforming the site from a Victorian pleasure garden into a modern, all-seater stadium. Today, the venue is officially known as the Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, featuring state-of-the-art facilities like the Barwell Stand and the Supporter Village.

In recent years, the club has continued to invest in the site, completing a new High Performance Centre to provide world-class training facilities for the first team and academy. This indoor training center ensures the squad can prepare year-round regardless of the British weather, maintaining the club’s competitive edge.

Stadium Accessibility and Amenities

The stadium is designed to be fully inclusive, offering wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms throughout the four main stands. Fans can enjoy a wide variety of food and beverage options, including the famous “EcoCup” system which supports the club’s sustainability efforts and the Northampton Saints Foundation.

Coaching Leadership and Strategy

Since the summer of 2022, the club has been led by Director of Rugby Phil Dowson, a former Saints captain and England international. Dowson is supported by a highly respected coaching team, including Head Coach Sam Vesty, who is credited with developing the club’s high-octane, attacking style of play.

The 2025/26 coaching group also includes defense specialist Lee Radford and scrum coach James Craig, alongside new arrival Jaco Pienaar. This stability in leadership has allowed the Saints to maintain a philosophy centered on fast-paced rugby and the promotion of homegrown talent from the club’s prestigious academy.

Current Squad and Key Players

The Saints’ squad for the 2025/26 season is a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging English stars, with over 50% of the roster having graduated from the club’s own academy. Key figures include England internationals like hooker Curtis Langdon and versatile forward Fraser Dingwall, alongside overseas stars who provide crucial experience.

The club’s commitment to youth development is evident in the recent promotion of eight academy players to the senior squad. This “Saints-first” approach ensures that the team maintains a strong connection to its local roots while competing at the highest levels of the European game.

Northampton Saints Foundation

The Northampton Saints Foundation is the charitable arm of the club, using the values of rugby to inspire and support young people in the local community. Through programs like “Hitz” and “Aspire,” the foundation works with students who may be disengaged from mainstream education, helping them gain qualifications and employment.

Supported by club legends and current players as ambassadors, the foundation continues the original mission of Reverend Wigg from 1880. A portion of matchday proceeds, including voluntary donations from bar orders, goes directly toward funding these life-changing community projects.

Practical Information and Planning

• Matchday Timing: Turnstiles generally open two hours before kick-off, with the Supporter Village offering pre-match entertainment.
• Ticket Prices: Match tickets for 2025/26 typically range from £25 to £65 for adults, with significant discounts available for juniors and concessions.
• Parking Details: The Claret Car Park (NN5 5JT) is available for approximately £8.50 on matchdays; contactless payment is required upon arrival.
• Transport: On game days, season ticket holders can use Stagecoach buses within the Northampton area for a discounted return fare of £5.
• Stadium Tours: Behind-the-scenes tours are available on selected dates for £20 (adults), covering the home changing rooms and the tunnel.

Seasonal and Matchday Tips

For the best experience during the winter months, visitors are advised to wrap up warmly as the cinch Stadium is an open-air venue, though most stands are covered. If you are attending the East Midlands Derby against Leicester, it is highly recommended to book tickets and parking several weeks in advance due to the high demand for this fixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Premiership titles have Northampton Saints won? 

The Saints have won the English Premiership title twice, first in the 2013/14 season and most recently in the 2023/24 season. They also have a strong history of reaching the play-off stages consistently.

Who is the current Director of Rugby at Northampton Saints? 

The current Director of Rugby is Phil Dowson, who took over the role in 2022 after previously serving as the club’s forwards coach and captaining the side as a player.

What are the club’s official colors? 

The Saints play in black, green, and gold. The gold stripe was famously added to the kit in 1905 following a match against the Original All Blacks.

Where do Northampton Saints play their home games? 

Their home ground is the Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, located in the west of Northampton. It has been the club’s home since the 1880s.

What is the “East Midlands Derby”? 

This is the name given to the fierce rivalry between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers. It is one of the most famous and well-attended fixtures in English rugby.

How can I buy tickets for a Saints game? 

Tickets can be purchased through the official club website or at the stadium ticket office. It is recommended to buy in advance for major fixtures like the Champions Cup or local derbies.

Is Franklin’s Gardens a non-smoking stadium? 

Yes, the cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens is a strictly no-smoking venue, which includes the use of e-cigarettes. Designated smoking areas are provided outside the gates at half-time.

Does the club have a professional women’s team? 

Yes, the club is partnered with Loughborough Lightning, who play several of their home fixtures in the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby at Franklin’s Gardens.

Can I take a tour of the stadium? 

Yes, the club runs official stadium tours for approximately £20. These tours offer access to the changing rooms, trophy room, and the pitch-side dugout.

What is the capacity of Franklin’s Gardens? 

The stadium currently holds approximately 15,250 spectators, with all four stands providing a close-up view of the action.

Final Thoughts

As of early 2026, Northampton Saints continue to solidify their reputation as one of the most resilient and forward-thinking clubs in professional rugby. By successfully balancing a rich 140-year heritage with cutting-edge innovations—like the new High Performance Centre and a record-breaking 2025/26 commercial revenue stream—the club has created a sustainable blueprint for success in the modern era. Their recent 40–22 victory over Leicester Tigers in the East Midlands Derby on January 31, 2026, serves as a testament to the depth of the squad and the effectiveness of Director of Rugby Phil Dowson’s “Saints-first” development philosophy.

With a senior squad that remains nearly 60% homegrown, the Saints have ensured that the link between the local community and the professional pitch remains unbreakable. While the financial landscape of the Gallagher Premiership continues to present challenges, the club’s proactive approach to shareholder investment and community engagement via the Northampton Saints Foundation secures its place as a pillar of the East Midlands. For fans and players alike, the journey in the black, green, and gold is more than just about winning trophies; it is about honoring a century-long tradition of improvement, integrity, and world-class sporting excellence.

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