Jump to Main ContentJump to Primary Navigation
SaintsConference & EventsFoundationStore
The Club

Franklin’s Gardens War Memorial updated ahead of Mobbs Match

Travis PerkinsSponsored by Travis Perkins

Northampton Saints last week commissioned three more names to be added to the War Memorial at Franklin’s Gardens in time for Wednesday evening’s Mobbs Memorial Match.

The names of Fred Wright, Richard Crofts, and Michael Cassy have all been added to the stone monument, which still sits in front of the Barwell Stand – overlooking the pitch.

The trio join the likes of Tom Collins, Ernest White, Blair Swannell and of course Edgar Mobbs himself on the monument, which covers both global conflicts from 1914-1918 and 1939-1945.

“When these names were presented to us by BBC journalist Graham McKechnie, we had no hesitation in adding them to our Memorial here at Franklin’s Gardens,” said Saints CEO Mark Darbon.

“As a Club, Northampton Saints cares deeply about both the armed forces and also our own history.

“In this week where we will celebrate the life of Edgar Mobbs and every Saintsman that fell whilst serving their country, we are delighted to ensure these men are finally remembered properly.

“I am extremely grateful to Graham for his extensive research and unwavering passion for uncovering new information about the Club’s history – without him, these additions would not have been possible.”

Wright, who played a handful of games for Saints before relocating to Australia in 1911, was brought back to Europe by the First World War and was ultimately killed on the Somme in 1916.

Crofts meanwhile, who captained Long Buckby whilst also turning out for Saints at centre, was in Normandy in the weeks following D Day when his tank was hit in 1944.

Cassy is already remembered at the War Memorial at Wantage Road, having also represented Northamptonshire at cricket, but excelled at rugby too and played for Saints in the matches that took place during World War Two before he was hit by a shell serving in Italy in 1944.

McKechnie, who is currently working on a book documenting the life of Edgar Mobbs, added: “It really matters that these three men take their place on the War Memorial.

“They may not have played hundreds of times or been international stars, but they’re Saintsmen all the same and they made the greatest sacrifice.

“I’m very pleased that the mistake of missing them off has been put right after all this time.

“It’s a reflection of how Saints as a club respects and understands its history, and sees how relevant and important it still is to a modern professional club.”

Tickets are still available for the Mobbs Memorial Match where Northampton Saints take on the British Army at Franklin's Gardens.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £5 for juniors, concessions, and veterans of the British Armed Forces, with all proceeds going to the Mobbs Memorial Trust. 

Purchase from the ticket office at Franklin’s Gardens, CLICK HERE to book online, or call the Saints Ticket Office on 01604 581000.

Visit the Saints Store
Visit the Saints Store
Match tickets on sale now!
Match tickets on sale now!
23/24 Rugby Camps
23/24 Rugby Camps