Vince Cannon

Saints Number: #1404
Saints Career: 1973-1989
Appearances: 438
Position: Second Row

Career Statistics

Tries: 74
Conversions: 1
Total Points: 298

Representative Honours

East Midlands
Midlands
British Colleges
England Reserve
Barbarians

Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2017

Vince Cannon

Few players have demonstrated greater loyalty to Northampton Saints than Vince ‘Ganger’ Cannon. Through one of the most challenging periods in the Club’s history, he remained a constant presence and one of its most committed servants.

Born in Kettering, Cannon spent 16 seasons at Franklin’s Gardens and accumulated 438 appearances, the highest total by any second-row forward in Saints history and one of the largest appearance tallies ever recorded by the Club.

A highly durable and effective performer, Cannon also scored 74 tries and accumulated 298 points during his career. His distinctive beard became almost as recognisable as his performances on the field, and although international recognition narrowly eluded him, his quality was reflected in representative honours for the East Midlands, the Midlands, British Colleges and the Barbarians.

Cannon captained Saints during one of the most difficult periods the Club had experienced. The 1982/83 season proved especially challenging, and Northampton’s struggles continued throughout much of the decade, culminating in relegation from Division Two during the inaugural English league campaign.

Despite those disappointments, Cannon never wavered in his commitment to the Club. He remained a leader during years of uncertainty and was still present when the famous boardroom revolution of 1988 initiated the turnaround that ultimately restored Saints’ fortunes. He even featured in the first match of the new era, a 22-13 victory over Harlequins under incoming Director of Rugby Barrie Corless.

Since retirement, Cannon has remained a highly respected figure around Northampton rugby. His contribution was further recognised when he was selected as one of five former captains to open the redeveloped Church’s Stand at Franklin’s Gardens.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, Cannon’s legacy is not simply measured by appearances or points, but by unwavering dedication during a period when the Club needed it most.

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.