Former Franklin’s Gardens favourites Matt Dawson, Nick Beal and Tom Smith have already been announced, along with wingers Harvey Thorneycroft and Ian Hunter, for the Trophy match on Sunday 12th April (kick-off 3pm).
They join a raft of former Northampton Town and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club aces in the line-up, including Ian Sampson, Martin Smith, Allan Lamb and Mal Loye, with further players set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Although Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder is unable to go to the Trophy match due to the Saints' Aviva Premiership clash at Exeter, he has urged supporters to attend.
“Leon was a man who loved his sport, and I’m sure that he would have appreciated all the hard work and effort that is going into the Leon Barwell Foundation Trophy,” he said.
“Although I won’t be there in person, I will be wishing everyone who takes part every success, and hope that as large a crowd as possible heads to Sixfields for what will be a tremendous afternoon. If you’re not heading to Exeter, make sure you’re at Sixfields!”
It is hoped the game will raise thousands for the Foundation, which has been set up by the Barwell family in memory of former Saints chairman Leon, who died following a battle with cancer in June 2013, aged 46.
In the months leading up to his passing, Leon was able to enjoy a skiing trip with his family as well as attend the Aviva Premiership Final between his beloved Saints and Leicester Tigers, and the charity’s aim is to help families affected by cancer by providing financial support to enjoy similar, memorable events together.
Tickets for the match can be purchased in person from www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/buytickets
, the Royal & Derngate box office, and online at www.ntfc.co.uk. Advanced tickets are priced just £10 for adults and £4 for concessions, with carers and children aged seven and under admitted free of charge.
