Saints Number: #605
Saints Career: 1923-1938
Appearances: 390
Position: Back row

Career Statistics

Tries: 48
Points: 144

Representative Honours

East Midlands
England (16 caps)
British & Irish Lions (1936 Argentina)

Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2017

Billy Weston

William ‘Billy’ Weston was one of the outstanding forwards of the inter-war era and remains among the most accomplished players ever to represent Northampton Saints.

Born in Potterspury in 1904, Weston was the son of former Saints and England forward Harry Weston. A gifted all-round sportsman at Oakham School, he excelled in rugby, football and athletics before making his Northampton debut against London Welsh in November 1923, aged 18.

Although initially in and out of the side, he eventually established himself as a formidable wing forward. His strong tackling, consistency and competitive spirit made him a fixture in the Saints pack. Across a remarkable 15-year career he made 390 appearances, still placing him among the Club’s most-capped players, and scored 48 tries.

Weston became Club Captain and was widely admired for his leadership. Local newspapers described him as the ideal sportsman and praised his enthusiasm, ability and example both on and off the field. He would captain Northampton across five seasons, including his final campaign in 1937/38.

His international career began with an England debut against Ireland in 1933. Over the next five years he earned 16 caps and formed part of an exceptional Northampton contingent that dominated the England pack. He won Triple Crowns in 1934 and 1937 and played a significant role in England’s landmark 13–0 victory over New Zealand in 1936, the country's first home win over the All Blacks.

That same year he toured Argentina with the British & Irish Lions. His representative achievements also extended to the East Midlands, where he helped defeat the touring Springboks in 1931 and played a major role in the region’s first County Championship triumph in 1934.

A product of an amateur era when players often supplied their own kit, Weston remained grounded throughout his career. One Club anecdote recalls him borrowing his father’s old rugby shorts after misplacing his own before a match.

After retirement he returned to farming, working at The Elms in Yardley Gobion until his death in 1987. His Hall of Fame induction in 2017 recognised a player whose loyalty, leadership and excellence made him one of Northampton Saints’ all-time great forwards.

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.