Jon Phillips

Saints Number: #1834
Saints Career: 1990-2004
Appearances: 322
Position: Lock, Flanker, Number 8

Career Statistics

Tries: 45
Total Points: 135

Representative Honours

Midlands
England U21

Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2025

Jon Phillips

Jon Phillips gave Northampton Saints 14 years of service during one of the most transformative periods in the Club’s history, spanning the move from amateur rugby to full professionalism.

Having previously played for Peterborough, Phillips made his Northampton debut against Rugby Lions in April 1990 at just 16 years of age. Over the next decade and a half he developed into one of the Club’s most dependable forwards, making 322 appearances across the back row and second row.

Phillips’ career mirrored the changing fortunes of Saints. Having initially balanced rugby with an engineering career, he made the decision to become a full-time professional as the sport evolved. Early setbacks included relegation from Division One, but he played a significant role in the immediate return to the top flight. He scored a try against West Hartlepool in Northampton’s first match back among the elite in 1996.

His greatest moment came as part of the squad that won the Heineken Cup in 2000. Introduced from the bench late in the final against Munster, Phillips helped the team close out a famous 9-8 victory and secure the Club’s first major European honour.

One of the more unusual episodes of his career came when he was sent off against Moseley for allegedly elbowing the referee. Convinced of his innocence, Phillips and coach Paul Larkin arrived at the disciplinary hearing carrying a television and video recorder. Footage of the incident cleared him completely, leading to an apology from the referee.

After leaving Northampton in 2004, Phillips enjoyed a successful spell with Bedford, making over 100 appearances before moving into coaching. He later headed the rugby programme at Moulton College, working closely with Saints to identify and develop young talent, before taking up the role of Head Rugby Coach at Tresham College.

His Hall of Fame induction in 2025 recognised not only more than 300 appearances for Saints, but also his continued contribution to rugby development across Northamptonshire.

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.