Northampton Saints reveal grand celebration plans as ‘fantastic atmosphere’ expected following title win
Northampton Saints reveal grand celebration plans as 'fantastic atmosphere' expected following title win. Credit: Martin Edwards
Northampton Saints have revealed their celebration plans following their 26-17 victory over Exeter Chiefs in the PREM final on Saturday.
Winning the esteemed trophy for just the third time in their history, Saints players and staff will parade the trophy in front of their loyal fans in Northampton on Sunday, as the whole town appears in celebration of their English champions.
A statement released by the club reads: ‘Saints will host an open-top bus parade on Sunday afternoon, with the entire squad and coaching group departing Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens at 2pm and arriving at the Guildhall in St Giles’ Square at approximately 2.30pm.
‘The bus will travel into Northampton Town Centre via Weedon Road, St James Road, Mare Fair, Gold Street, Mercers Row, George Row and Wood Hill. A full route map can be found below, and supporters are encouraged to line the streets along the way to create a sea of Black, Green and Gold and celebrate with the team.
“The bus will also circle All Saints Church on George Row before arriving at the Guildhall, offering plenty of opportunities for supporters to see and salute their champions.
“Saints will be welcomed at the Guildhall by representatives from West Northamptonshire Council, including Cllr Mark Arnull (Leader, WNC), Cllr Fiona Baker (Chairman, WNC), and Cllr Mike Hallam (Mayor of Northampton).
“A stage will be set up outside the Guildhall, where player interviews, music and entertainment will follow the team’s arrival – all hosted by stadium announcer Pete Nuttall. Players will also spend time with supporters, show off the trophy and pose for photographs before departing at approximately 3.30pm.
“The event is free to attend, with the supporter area in front of the Guildhall opening from 1pm. Due to the space available in the square, numbers in this area will be carefully managed on the day. Supporters are therefore encouraged to enjoy the celebrations along the parade route as well as at the Guildhall, where a fantastic atmosphere is expected throughout Northampton town centre.”
“It looked like a final”
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson spoke to BBC Sport following the match, saying: “We were outstanding throughout the season, it’s nice now to be able to put a full stop on it with a big tin cup and say ‘we were the best side in the league’.
“I think it looked like a final. That was a proper final where it was nip and tuck; there were opportunities, we got held up, they got held up. We maybe weren’t as clinical as we’d have liked, and that can certainly change the pressure.
“But I thought at 60 minutes to go we felt in a good space and the messages that were coming back to the coaching group from how the players were talking to each other and connecting was very positive.
“You bring on people like Callum Chick and Fraser Dingwall, who have been there before, and the last 20 minutes we looked very strong.”
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