Sunday’s fantastic Double Header of matches here at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens brought our time hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup to a close. And while a flurry of cherry pickers, forklifts, kit vans and contractors descend on the ground this week to return our stadium to its familiar look, I wanted to take some time to reflect on a very important chapter in our Club’s history.
It has been a wonderful tournament so far, and we – like thousands of rugby supporters all over the country – are looking forward to seeing it reach its conclusion over the next few weeks. We are immensely proud to have been chosen as one of the competition’s host venues, and it has been an incredible opportunity to showcase what Northampton, and our brilliant stadium, can deliver on the international stage.
This journey began back in August 2023, when we were confirmed as a host venue in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council. This was a joint effort, and we were proud to have worked hand-in-hand with the Council to bring the World Cup to Northampton. Since then, an enormous amount of hard work has gone into making this event possible. I would like to thank every member of staff here at Saints for their herculean efforts in staging the tournament, as well as the Rugby World Cup team who we have worked so closely with. It has been a pleasure to collaborate and deliver something truly special.
We have loved welcoming a host of teams from across the globe – Ireland, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, Samoa, Spain, Italy, France, and of course England. Each team brought their own culture, colour and character to cinch Stadium. From the South African squad dancing their way into the ground from the team bus, to the Japanese players respectfully bowing to the stands, and the sheer joy of Samoa scoring their first points of the tournament, we’ve been blessed with a series of iconic moments that will live long in the memory.
The fans attending our matches, whether partisan or neutral, whether visiting the Gardens for the first time or the hundredth, created an atmosphere that was joyous. It has been inspiring to see so many people in and around Northampton embrace the tournament – with huge thanks owed to West Northamptonshire Council, local businesses and residents, and grassroots clubs. None of this would have been possible without you. And of course, we cannot forget the Northampton Women’s Institute, whose ‘yarn bombing’ of rugby-themed knitted and crocheted displays all the way from St James Bus Station to cinch Stadium brought smiles to so many faces.
Whether you joined us in the stands, got involved in community activities around the town, or tried your hand at the game yourself for the first time, we hope this tournament has inspired you to be part of rugby – as a player, a volunteer, or simply as a fan.
At Saints, we are determined that this World Cup will not just be an event we hosted, but a springboard to grow the women’s game in our region and create a lasting legacy. If you enjoyed seeing the very best international women’s stars here at cinch Stadium, we would love to welcome you back to support Loughborough Lightning this coming season. Season Tickets, priced* from just £65 (adult) and £30 juniors, are still available HERE and individual match tickets will go on sale over the coming weeks.
An incredible 15 of Loughborough’s players have been selected to compete in the tournament across the England, Scotland and USA squads. The USA secured a 60-0 win over Samoa and drew 31-31 with Australia in one of the most pulsating matches of the tournament so far, just missing out on qualification for the knockout rounds on points difference – with all five of Lightning’s contingent (Alev Kelter, Kathryn Treder, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Tahlia Brody and Bulou Mataitoga) involved in the pool stage.
Tournament favourites England marched into the quarter-finals with wins over the USA, Samoa (here in Northampton), and Australia, and Scotland joined them in the last eight for the first time since 2002 thanks to victories against Fiji and Wales. Those two sides will meet this weekend at Ashton Gate in Bristol, with as many as ten Loughborough players potentially set to be involved across the two line-ups, for what is sure to be another blockbuster clash.
While Northampton’s chapter has closed, the tournament is far from over. The knockout stages and the Final promise more world-class rugby, so don’t miss out – the schedule and broadcast information for the remaining matches can be found HERE, while a handful of tickets still remain for some of the games HERE. On behalf of everyone at Northampton Saints, thank you for helping make this an unforgettable event.
With our involvement in the Rugby World Cup ending, our focus narrows again on the start of our own season. The final few members of Northampton Saints’ squad have now returned to our camp from their summer rest periods, and with one preseason match already under our belts and a second on the way on Friday evening, all eyes are now on the start of the new campaign. We are counting down the days until we can welcome you all back to cinch Stadium for an action-packed season cheering on the men in Black, Green and Gold. Loughborough Lightning also continue their PWR: The Cup campaign this weekend, and return to the Gardens in November when their league season also gets up and running.
Here’s to making more memories together, on and off the pitch, over the months ahead.
Julia Chapman
Chief Executive, Northampton Saints
* All prices are subject to a booking fee of £2.50 per Season Ticket, plus £10 admin fee for Direct Debit.
