Saints Number: #678
Saints Career: 1927-1948
Appearances: 356
Position: Prop

Representative Honours

East Midlands
England (19 caps)
Barbarians

Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2004

Ray Longland

For more than 20 years, Ray Longland stood at the heart of the Northampton Saints pack and established himself as one of the finest front-row forwards the Club has ever produced.

Born in Lavendon in 1908, Longland joined Saints from Bedford and went on to enjoy an extraordinary 21-year playing career. He made 356 appearances and captained the Club in 1935/36 and again in 1946/47, demonstrating remarkable longevity either side of the Second World War.

Although props were not generally associated with scoring points, Longland contributed 17 tries as well as penalties and conversions during his Saints career. His reputation, however, rested upon his dominance in the scrum, his strength and technical excellence, and his unwavering loyalty to fellow forwards.

His standing in the game was immense. Rugby writer Vivian Jenkins selected Longland in his all-time British XV, while one distinguished hooker famously remarked: ‘Packing with Ray is so comfortable; it’s like getting into bed.’

Longland’s achievements extended well beyond Franklin’s Gardens. Between 1932 and 1938 he won 19 England caps, a remarkable total for the era. He became the first Northampton player to feature in an England side that defeated New Zealand, helping secure the famous victory over the All Blacks in 1936. He was also a key member of the East Midlands teams that defeated the touring Springboks in 1931 and won the County Championship in 1934.

Selection for the Barbarians further reflected his status as one of the leading forwards of his generation, helping establish a tradition of Northampton representation with the famous invitation side.

The Second World War interrupted his playing career, during which he served in the Royal Air Force as a Physical Training Instructor. Even during wartime he continued to represent England and Combined Services in high-profile fixtures.

Awarded a Club Cap in 1947, Longland remained a respected figure at Northampton long after retirement. His Hall of Fame induction recognised a player whose consistency, toughness and excellence placed him among the greatest front-row forwards in Saints history.

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.