SSC News

Hopefully Match of the Season – The Derby Preview

Picture courtesy James Fitchew

The Big One

Saturday sees the Big One. The home derby against our visitors from “up the road” / “The dark side” / “Pooh Corner” “insert favourite name here”. Following the earlier run of Tigers dominance in this fixture in the mid 2000’s, the last few years have seen Saints inflict significant wins on our neighbours from what I think we must now call the Woodshed on the roundabout. Unbeaten this year, with a significantly uprated side, (Borthwick having removed 22 – yes twenty-two! Players this calendar year) they will be a force to be reckoned with on Saturday, with a strong pack and a fearsome reputation in the tight. Steve Borthwick has put together a team to bully its way through the season, so let’s hope for dry weather and a strong, consistent performance from the re-invigorated attacking squad that put 66 points past Worcester last week. It would be great to run the pussy cats off their feet! (Saints by 10).

From the SSC Archives

In October 1947 Tigers visited Franklins Gardens

Saints-Tigers-1947

From the Match Diary

Match of the Season – The Derby Preview

Picture courtesy James Fitchew

The Big One

From the SSC Archives

In October 1947 Tigers visited Franklins Gardens

Saints-Tigers-1947

From the Match Diary

Coaches to away matches

Hi all
Just to let you know, tickets for the Wasps match are going fast, book now to avoid disappointment.
WE will also be putting other coaches on sale in the next few days, so watch this space. It is also worth noting that tickets are NOT restricted to SSC members, so don’t feel you can’t book if you are not a member. It is a personal service, we’ve never left anyone behind yet, and this is a green, friendly way to get to a match without worrying about driving! https://www.saintssupportersclub.co.uk

Coach Travel returns

We are pleased to announce that the SSC Coach service is back. We are having to be cautious for the sake of our supporters and our coach partner, Hunters. The first of the season is for Wasps on 1oth October leaving at 12;30 you can book from the main Menu. Parking charges and Coach costs have increased dramatically since the lockdown, and, until we can get back to a normal service, tickets will be a single price. So a green trip to the Wasps, straight into the ground and you can leave the car at home. Fill yer boots!

SSC Membership

£ 6.00 – £ 12.00

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Harry Mallinder to pursue playing opportunity in Japan

Thursday 22 July, 2021

Northampton Saints can today confirm that Harry Mallinder will be leaving the Club ahead of the 2021/22 season to pursue a playing opportunity in Japan.

The 25-year-old has scored 233 points in 83 appearances in Black, Green and Gold since coming through the Club’s Academy system and making his debut in 2014.

Mallinder – who has featured at fullback, fly-half and centre during his time at Franklin’s Gardens – departs Northampton in search of more regular playing time in the Top League.

“Harry is a good man and a very popular and talented member of our group, having come through the Academy here with a number of the current first-team squad,” said Saints’ Director of Rugby, Chris Boyd.

“He will certainly be missed around the Gardens, but we understand and support Harry’s decision to pursue more regular playing time after enduring an unlucky run of injuries over the last couple of years.

“I am sure many of our supporters will be disappointed to see him leave Northampton, but this is the right move for Harry at this time in his career.

After captaining England to victory in the 2016 World Rugby Under-20s Championship, Mallinder became a regular in the first team at Franklin’s Gardens, racking up almost 50 appearances in two seasons alone and kicking Northampton into the 2017/18 Champions Cup with a crucial match-winning conversion against Stade Francais.

While an unlucky run of injuries have limited Mallinder’s appearances for Saints in recent seasons, the versatile back has also made a sizeable impact off the pitch at Franklin’s Gardens by working closely alongside the Northampton Saints Foundation.

His contribution towards the charity’s innovative programmes – which help local young people return to education, training or employment – earned him the Gallagher Premiership’s Community Player of the Season award during the 2019-20 season.

But with his focus firmly on returning to his best form on the field, Mallinder is looking forward to a fresh challenge overseas in Japan.

Mallinder said: “This wasn’t an easy decision for me, as Northampton has been my Club for the last 14 years.

“I would like to thank everybody associated with the Club. A special thanks to the medical and S&C departments for all their help, the coaches for their continued support and of course the top set of lads within the playing group.

“I’ve been a Saint over half my life and so this is a big change, but one I am very excited about. I am going to Japan to play fly-half, so I’m excited to test myself in a new environment. I can’t wait to get out there for the rugby and cultural challenge.

“I wish the Club and all Northampton supporters the very best for the future, and thank you all for the great support you have given me during my time here.”

Dave’s Faves (and ours too)

At an emotional occasion, where Saints beat Worcester Warriors to secure a place at the top table in Europe next season, X-Block Dave was on hand to Provide one of his magnificent cartoons and some memorable match pics.

Enjoy.