Saints Number: #798
Saints Career: 1933-1943
Appearances: 118
Position: Fly-half / Centre

Career Statistics

Tries: 30
Conversions: 9
Penalties: 0
Drop Goals: 1
Total Points: 112

Representative Honours

Australia (9 caps)

Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2017

Gordon Sturtridge

Gordon Sturtridge was one of the most influential figures in Northampton Saints history, making a lasting impact both as a player and, perhaps even more significantly, as an administrator and visionary leader.

Born in Emmaville, New South Wales, on 16 September 1906, Sturtridge was one of twelve children and chose university education over a career in farming, studying at Brisbane University. His rugby talent quickly emerged and he made his international debut for Australia against New Zealand in 1929. He added further Wallaby appearances during a three-Test series against the All Blacks in 1932.

Following a tour of South Africa, Sturtridge travelled to England and settled in Northampton after securing a medical position at Northampton General Hospital, specialising in gynaecology. After spells with Rosslyn Park and Saints, he established himself at Franklin’s Gardens and eventually made 118 appearances for the Club, scoring 30 tries. He captained Northampton between 1938 and 1941.

When the outbreak of the Second World War brought official rugby fixtures to a halt, Sturtridge ensured that the game continued locally. He organised his own playing side, arranged fixtures and helped keep rugby alive at Franklin’s Gardens until 1943.

After the war, Sturtridge became one of the driving forces behind the Club’s development. A progressive thinker, he was known for analysing opposition teams in detail at a time when such preparation was unusual. In 1950 he became President of Northampton Saints, a role he held for 14 years during a period of significant growth and success.

His philosophy was summed up in one of his most famous quotes: “When I’m pushing up the daisies, I want you young fellows to develop a 15-man game.” It reflected his belief in expansive, attacking rugby and his desire to see the sport continue to evolve.

Sturtridge died in Northampton on 16 September 1963, his 57th birthday. His contribution to the Club is still recognised today through his induction into the Northampton Saints Hall of Fame in 2017.

Hall of Fame profiles have been researched and compiled, with the Club’s grateful thanks, by the volunteers of Northampton Saints Foundation’s Heritage Department – whose work helps preserve and share the rich history of Northampton Saints.