Northampton Saints chief executive Mark Darbon is relishing the first of two matches at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens this week, as Harlequins come to town tonight in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Read Mark's welcome and more in today’s official matchday programme, on sale around the ground and HERE for £3.50...
Good evening and a very warm welcome back to cinch stadium at Franklin’s Gardens for tonight’s Premiership Rugby Cup match against Harlequins.
It has felt as though matches have come thick and fast over the last three weeks, with three games in this Cup competition to contend with, as well as our three regular Gallagher Premiership fixtures. It has been a stern test of the depth of our squad, but to come away with two wins over Saracens and Wasps last week was incredibly pleasing. I think every player who has been fit to play has been given some minutes over this block of fixtures, and we hope that will stand us in great stead for the rest of the long season ahead. After this week, and two more fixtures against Quins tonight and the Newcastle Falcons on Saturday, we settle back into the regular rhythm of weekend-only fixtures for the foreseeable future.
Since my last set of programme notes, Worcester Warriors have been suspended from the Gallagher Premiership – and we know that Wasps are facing some challenges as well. I would like to take this opportunity to allay any fears once again about the future of Northampton Saints; the Club is on a stable financial footing, and continues to execute a clear plan to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic. That said, a full stadium helps us to deliver the best results possible both on and off the pitch. The cost of living challenges are affecting us all, so it means more than ever that so many of you continuing to buy tickets week in, week out to come down to the Gardens and support the team. We understand that these midweek games are not easy for some supporters to attend around other commitments, so we are extremely grateful for each and every one of you here this evening.
You may have seen that last week we announced the first two of this year’s group of inductees to the Club’s Hall of Fame. Keith Barwell and Ian Hunter are both thoroughly deserving of this accolade for everything they gave to the Club, both on and off the pitch, and we look forward to honouring them at our Hall of Fame Dinner on Thursday 10 November. There are still a few places available for the event – to find out more or to book your place, please email [email protected].
But back to tonight’s game, and no doubt another entertaining Cup clash lies in store. We were treated to an avalanche of tries (nine of which came from the men in Black, Green and Gold!) last Wednesday evening against Saracens, and while I am sure the coaches of both sides here tonight won’t necessarily be hoping for the same again, Saints and Harlequins always dish up plenty of points whenever the teams meet. Our Premiership match against Quins obviously went down to the wire a week-and-a-half ago, and while the two sides that take to the pitch this evening will probably have a very different look to them, I have no doubt that we’ll see more of the same free-flowing rugby. There’s plenty to play for too, with a place in the semi-finals of the Cup now well within our grasp!
Enjoy tonight’s game, and come on you Saints!
Mark Darbon,
Chief Executive
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