Keith Savage

Saints Number: #1309
Saints Career: 1963-1972
Appearances: 113
Position: Wing

Career Statistics

Tries: 41
Total Points: 123

Representative Honours

England (13 caps)
British & Irish Lions (1966 Australia & New Zealand; 1968 South Africa)

Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2025

Keith Savage

Keith Savage brought genuine pace and excitement to Northampton Saints during the 1960s, becoming one of the most dangerous finishers of his era.

Savage joined Saints from Leamington Spa RFC in 1963 and quickly earned the nickname ‘The Leamington Flier’. Blessed with exceptional speed, he was identified from the outset as a player capable of making a major impact at Franklin’s Gardens.

An accomplished all-round sportsman and schoolteacher, Savage was known for his footballing ability as well as his rugby talent. Teammates marvelled at his ability to dribble a rugby ball, while Club reports regularly highlighted the pace, opportunism and attacking instincts that made him a threat from either wing or centre.

Across 113 appearances for Saints, he scored 41 tries and established himself as one of the Club’s standout backs. His form led to an England debut against Wales in January 1966, alongside Northampton teammates Bob Taylor and David Powell. Between 1966 and 1968 he won 13 England caps.

His international reputation was further recognised by selection for two British & Irish Lions tours. On the 1966 tour to Australia and New Zealand he scored seven tries in 12 appearances, despite not featuring in the Test side. Two years later he toured South Africa and played in all four Tests against the Springboks, placing him among the elite players of the northern hemisphere game.

In 1969 Savage moved to South Africa for 15 months to teach before returning to England and resuming his association with Saints.

His Hall of Fame induction in 2025 recognised a player whose speed, attacking flair and international achievements made him one of the most accomplished backs to wear Black, Green and Gold during the amateur era.

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.