After losing to them at Manchester earlier in the season – Boyds Boys exacted a sweet revenge.
A 67 17 dribbling of Sale might lead the non-attendee to think that somehow Sale we just rubbish. (much of the media intimated so too). However, Sale was not some team of lightweights and fought hard for 80 minutes. Saints just outran and outplayed them. The team had been threatening to create a result like this for some time, and, having done it in the minor competition, were able to step up to the Premiership and do it there. The saying goes that “you can only play what is in front of you”. Sale was not able to track what was in front of them as Saints pulled them across the line of the pitch and back all afternoon. Sublime and I think the best 80 minutes of rugby by a Daints team for many years.
Not everyone was happy though, so I’ll just leave this here with thanks to X-Block Dave…..
Piers Francis and Dan Biggar return to the team in a strong lineup to face a powerful Sale team on Saturday. The prospect of Francis and Hutchinson in the Centres is a mouthwatering prospect! Don’t forget a 2 pm KO for this must win match
Owen Franks Commits to Saintshttps://saintssupportersclub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/owenfranks.jpg834926admin_q02rub00admin_q02rub00https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ffd285a8ec25058c12048efc4d8fa585?s=96&d=mm&r=g
The Club announced this evening that Owen Franks will be Joining the Saints from Caterbury Crusaders. Franks Has won the world cup twice, and this will be the first time he has played for a club outside New Zealand
ne of only 20 players to win the Rugby World Cup twice, the 31-year-old tighthead prop follows brother Ben to Franklin’s Gardens after making almost 150 appearances in the Super Rugby competition.
“The prospect of playing at Franklin’s Gardens in front of Northampton’s passionate supporters is hugely exciting for me and my family.”Owen Franks
Since making his All Blacks debut in 2009, Franks has notched up over a century of international caps for his country, lifting the Webb Ellis Cup twice along the way – on home soil in 2011 and then at Twickenham in 2015.
But having never before plied his trade outside of New Zealand, Franks is relishing the prospect of a fresh challenge in northern hemisphere rugby.
“I’d like to thank Chris Boyd and Northampton Saints for showing faith in me and giving me this opportunity to come and play in the Gallagher Premiership,” he said.
“I’ve always taken a keen interest in northern hemisphere rugby so I’m looking forward to coming to the UK and proving myself, while the prospect of playing at Franklin’s Gardens in front of Northampton’s passionate supporters is hugely exciting for me and my family.
“I’d also like to thank the NZRU and the Crusaders for their continued support, and for allowing me to live out my dream.”
A powerful front rower and dedicated trainer, Franks is renowned for his scrummaging ability – but the tighthead’s work around the field will also impress the Franklin’s Gardens faithful, with his big hits in defence often catching the eye.
“He has played at the highest level of the game for such a long time, which speaks volumes about his ability.”Chris Boyd
Franks also featured for the All Blacks during the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, starting all three Tests where he lined up against future Saints teammate Courtney Lawes.
And, after already securing the signing of Matt Proctor from the Hurricanes, Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd is thrilled to welcome another player of Franks’ pedigree next season.
He said: “Owen is a world-class operator whose record speaks for itself. He not only will improve the quality within our playing squad, but – like his brother – his attitude will set the standard for the entire group.
“His level of professionalism can serve as a fine example for other members of the squad, and he’s a very intelligent footballer – I know several of our young props are already looking forward to picking his brain.
“The fact that he has played with distinction at the highest level of the game for so long speaks volumes about his ability, so I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Owen here to Northampton next season.”
Francois van Wyk re-signshttps://saintssupportersclub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Screenshot-2019-02-11-13.52.03.png860532David LowrenceDavid Lowrencehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/257d77a91b108f1e5d726680718728a5?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Francois van Wyk has extended his contract at Saints
Since arriving in the East Midlands in the summer of 2017, the powerful South African-born loosehead has made 43 appearances in Black, Green and Gold in all competitions.
“The players around me are helping me a lot and I just want to build on my performances this season.”Francois van Wyk
Van Wyk has enhanced his first team credentials this term under Chris Boyd, getting a run of starts under his belt and scoring his first points for the Club with a try double against Bristol Bears in October.
The 27-year-old also claimed some silverware in his debut season as he played a prominent role in the Wanderers’ A League triumph, starting the final where Northampton beat Exeter Braves 31-21 in the final.
And with at least two more seasons as a Saint to look forward to, Van Wyk is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the Franklin’s Gardens faithful.
“I’m really happy to be staying on with Saints for another couple of years,” he said.
“I feel very at home here at the Club, and the confidence that Chris Boyd and the other coaches have put in me this season have helped me to kick on.
“The players around me are helping me a lot and I just want to build on my performances this season and improve my consistency.
“I’m very excited for the challenge that lies ahead of us in the coming seasons and hopefully we can pick up some silverware for these great fans.”
SSC Player of the Season 2018-9https://saintssupportersclub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SSC2014-1.jpg155135David LowrenceDavid Lowrencehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/257d77a91b108f1e5d726680718728a5?s=96&d=mm&r=g
1 Francois van Wyk 2 James Fish 3 Ehren Painter 4 David Ribbans 5 Api Ratuniyarawa 6 Jamie Gibson 7 Lewis Ludlam 8 Teimana Harrison (capt)
Replacements: 16 Reece Marshall 17 Alex Waller 18 Paul Hill 19 Alex Moon 20 Tom Wood 21 Heinrich Brüssow 22 Alex Mitchell 23 Tom Collins
Not available for selection: Andy Symons (knee), Harry Mallinder (knee), Tom Emery (shoulder), Mikey Haywood (knee), Dylan Hartley (knee), and Piers Francis (shoulder).
SSC Dinner – Tickets now on salehttps://saintssupportersclub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Dinner-Flyer.png12401753David LowrenceDavid Lowrencehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/257d77a91b108f1e5d726680718728a5?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Tickets are now available for our Supporters’ Club Dinner on 2nd May. The evening promises to be the best yet with surprise guests and a new award. We will, of course, be presenting our SSC Player of the year competition, and tickets are priced from £54.00, with vegetarian options available when booking.
Additionally, you can pay for your tickets in 3 monthly instalments
A Home Semi-Final at High Noonhttps://saintssupportersclub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Screenshot-2019-02-04-00.05.16.png346284David LowrenceDavid Lowrencehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/257d77a91b108f1e5d726680718728a5?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Newcastle will visit the Gardens
In the Home Semi-Final on Saturday 9th February at 12:15 Newcastle Falcons will be the visitors in the Premiership Cup, Worcester will host Saracens in the 2nd Semi-Final
Travellers can now book their away coach travel via facebook. Tickets are available at our shop
Coaches for away matches – new availability
Coaches for away matches – new availabilityhttps://saintssupportersclub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Screenshot-2018-01-17-16.38.15.png800551David LowrenceDavid Lowrencehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/257d77a91b108f1e5d726680718728a5?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Booking is now open for our trips to Saracens, Leicester and Harlequins. Book early to avoid disappointment.
