Saints Return: Northampton RFC In The Top Flight Again

For my first Bleach, I thought I ought to just run through last season and highlight how big a step this will be. Last year was a big drop and the team noticed the  difference from last time they were in the national first division. It was a strange season unbeaten, but unable to play a competitive match. Unless the friendly against Samoa counted (we did lose that one). The teams in the first division are fabulously supported, but by hundreds not thousands of fans. A mere 999 at Moseley hides the great traditions of both clubs. But one of them has money the other not.

The proffesional game is suffering the growing pains still and has the global pressures that have previously let other sports grow at a more sensible pace. Northampton know all about global pressures, with several international stars. Many of which have become locals. Bruce Rehana (New Zealand) the team captain seems very settled whereas there are many who just travel for a few seasons money and return home without ever noticing the teams on there CV.

So this year we will be facing the big teams again. Not Heineken Cup yet, (but soon). The intake for the season has raised a few internationals and breaking internationals, but the home fans all await Chris Ashton on the big stage. He was outstanding in National 1. Now he can show the international players he is ready for a step up. With Dylan Hartley already in the England squad and Ben Foden playing Saxons rugby , the England team management may be looking into Franklins Gardens a bit more. The Scottish contingent with Euan Murray and (hopefully) Sean Lamont newbie Scott Gray and stalwart Tom Smith, will be kept cheering. Our other Celtic brothers are not so strongly supported the Welshman Ben Broster joins while Will Harries is on loan at Bedford. Irish eyes could be smiling if Neil Best shows his form and moves from Ireland A into the first team, Roger Wilson also joins as a No.8 and Paul Shields was one of the best performers last season and may surprise people still.

The international flavour of the team grows but possibly not as fast as in other clubs

Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe (Argentina) joins

Soane Tonga'uiha (Tonga) - always pleases the crowds

Carlos Spencer (NZ) - always scares the crowd, both sides.

Matt Lord (NZ) - Keeps the young guys very honest

Bruce Rehana (NZ) - A sensible head to run the team

I am sure the fans will miss Paul Tupai & Darren Fox but I am sure someone will step up and enforce the will of the Saints.

The management team has done great things so far and Jim Mallinder has always been a rated coach, Dorain West a fierce competitor and Paul Grayson the local boy with a smart head and an RWC2003 winners medal.

Now lets see if they can put last years practice into the real top flight and get some wins, or even some more silverware. I have noticed it is attracted together.

So to the fans

"COME ON YOU SAINTS"

"BRUCE!"...."BRUCE!"...."BRUCE!"...."BRUCE!"."BRUCE!""BRUCE!"