Saints had a prolific and spectacular return to the main European competition, reaching the semi-finals. Along the way they recorded the most spectacular result in the history of the competition in winning in San Sebastian against hot favourites Biarritz. Unfortunately the result could not be repeated against London Wasps against Coventry and Saints bowed out there.

Even more unfortunate was the end of the Guinness Premiership season the following week. A promising start to the season was quickly brought down to earth by serious injuries to Bruce Reihana and Jon Clarke and the retirements of Steve Thompson, David Quinlan and Geoff Appleford. The results on the pitch were not that much better and a series of narrow defeats left Saints at the bottom of the Premiership with results needing to go their way if they were to stay in English top flight rugby. Though Saints beat London Irish at Franklin's Gardens, Worcester's defeat of Saracens at Sixways consigned Saints to their first relegation in 12 years.

This led to an overhaul of the coaching staff with Peter Sloane, Frank Ponissi and Paul Larkin all leaving the club. The task of getting Saints back to the Premiership at the first attempt has been handed to former England Saxons coaches Jim Mallinder and Dorian West, with Mallinder taking overall charge as director of rugby.

With stars such as Spencer, Reihana and Robinson all having committed themselves to the cause, Saints are favourites to finish top of National League One. However the challenge is far from straightforward and Saints will face 30 cup finals in 2007/08 as the team to beat in the division.

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