cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens will once again host one of the standout fixtures of the Armed Forces sporting calendar, as the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force men’s and women’s teams go head-to-head in the Inter Service Rugby Championship on Saturday 18 April 2026.
More than a rugby double-header, the Northampton leg of the Championship is a celebration of military pride, shared traditions and community spirit.
The Club is expecting thousands of service personnel, veterans, families and supporters from across Northamptonshire and beyond to come together for an unforgettable matchday experience.
The Senior Women will kick off the day at 1:30pm, followed by the Senior Men at 4:15pm.
Seated tickets1 are available now in the East Stand, with a special Early Bird rate of £17 for military personnel2, or £22 for adults and £5 for juniors. Alternatively, standing tickets in the East Stand terrace are available for £12 (military), £17 (adult) and £5 (junior).
Hospitality options are also available for this fixture. Our Executive Boxes all benefit from outstanding views of the pitch and offer an exclusive space for 12 guests to soak up the unique cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens atmosphere on matchdays.
The offer includes a two-course lunch, a savoury snack between games, inclusive drinks including beer, wine, and soft drinks, as well as direct access to padded seating. Priced at £155 per person (inc. VAT), for more information, please contact sales@northamptonsaints.co.uk and one of the team will get back to you.
Northampton Saints’ relationship with the UK Armed Forces spans more than a century. The Club signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2017 and is home to the legacy of Edgar Mobbs – an England international who earned the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. The Mobbs Memorial Match, first played in his honour in 1921, remains one of the sport’s longest-standing fixtures.
Each year, Saints and their supporters raise thousands of pounds for military charities including the Royal British Legion and the Army Benevolent Fund, reinforcing the Club’s continued commitment to those who serve.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Inter Service Championship back to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens,” said Saints’ Chief Executive, Julia Chapman.
“These fixtures represent far more than rugby – they are a celebration of military pride, shared tradition, and the spirit that binds the armed forces and our local community together.
“The Armed Forces hold a special place in the history of Northampton Saints, and we’re proud to provide a platform that honours that connection while delivering an unforgettable matchday experience for everyone who walks through our gates.”
This year’s matches are sponsored by Babcock, an international defence company providing specialist support and solutions to enhance defence capability and protect critical national assets. At the 2025 event, also held at cinch Stadium, the Royal Navy secured a 27-17 victory in the men’s match, while the RAF women claimed a convincing 36-10 win.
For the 2026 fixture in Northampton, the Royal Navy will take their turn as the designated home side.
Commodore Sarah Oakley, Chair of the Royal Navy Rugby Union, said: “We are very much looking forward to returning to cinch Stadium for our annual Navy v RAF Inter Service rugby fixtures. Last year was a brilliant success and we are working with Northampton Saints’ team to ensure this year’s event will be even better.
“It will be a great day out for everyone – young and old, serving military, veteran, rugby fan or anyone looking for fun things to do. Family friendly, there will be entertainment between the matches so come along, join the crowd and show your support for our serving sailors, marines and aviators.
“All proceeds from the event go towards ensuring service people can play rugby throughout the year and we also raise funds for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.”
1 All ticket prices are subject to a £1.50 booking fee.
2 Proof of Military ID may be required.