1
'It has not been good for rugby to see Sarries' players jeered at away grounds this season'
By Online Editors
Northampton chief executive has called Mark Darbon has called on Saints fans to be respectful on Saturday of the visiting Saracens players.
The London club have become the Gallagher Premiership’s pantomime villains this season due to the salary cap controversy that last month resulted in their automatic relegation from the top flight for next season.
Amid the fallout of the accounting debacle, they have not been warmly received on their travels around England.
However, Northampton’s boss wants Saints fans to treat Saracens with respect when the reigning Premiership champions visit Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday afternoon.
Writing in the match programme for the round twelve fixture in the East Midlands, Darbon said: “Saracens still have many dangerous players running out this afternoon at the Gardens, who deserve our respect as professional athletes.
(Continue reading below...)
The Gallagher Premiership could be set for a Guinness Six Nations player release standoff
“Regardless of where you stand on the salary cap issue, the league will certainly be weaker without them next year – it will be a great shame to potentially not see the likes of Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, and the Vunipola brothers in the Premiership.
“It has not been good for rugby to see Sarries’ players jeered at away grounds this season; I would expect a different standard from the Gardens faithful so please be respectful of our opponents today.”
The chief executive went on to explain that Saints-Saracens fixtures were usually a highlight of the Northampton calendar.
“Our matches against Saracens are always incredibly popular fixtures, but it’s great to see an almost sold-out Franklin’s Gardens for today’s game – hopefully we can evoke the spirit of last season’s sold-out Premiership Rugby Cup final win!
“Sarries were also the visitors that day of course, and it was certainly one of the best days I have encountered while working at the club.
“Speaking to the players and coaches, it always gives everyone in the squad a massive lift to see the stands packed to the rafters, and to hear the unique roar that only a full Franklin’s Gardens produces.
“Despite the fact that they have already been relegated this season due to their breaches of the salary cap, this is going to be a really tough game against the reigning Premiership and European champions.
“Chris Boyd would be the first to admit that we have not been at our best in recent weeks, and if anything, the fact that they’re already preparing for a season in the Championship means that Saracens can play with no fear.”
Northampton sit in fourth spot in the Gallagher Premiership table heading into the Saturday afternoon fixture, nine points behind leaders Exeter Chiefs. In contrast, the relegated Saracens have a -72 points total despite winning seven of their eleven matches so far this term.
WATCH: RugbyPass takes an unflinching look at the reality of concussion in rugby
Trending on RugbyPass
2
England No8 Billy Vunipola tasered and arrested in Spain
3
Saints boss Dowson reacts to controversial Care incident
4
Fissler Confidential: Radwan eyed to replace exit-bound England wing
5
Latest Comments
If I’m a little bloke, who’s just had possession of the ball, I should expect to get cleaned up by Samipeni Finau if he’s opposite me and I do nothing to avoid him. FTFY You’ll need to rewrite the rest of your article now Hamish Bidwell. I’m not sorry for having missed reading this one. I find it hilarious it’s only the static aussie 10s, just waiting there, that are getting smashed. Move on your feet guys, haven’t you watched DMac and Mounga play for the last decade ffs. Chin up, at least your smiles should return when BB returns to SR next year and there’s more 10s to the fodder.
Go to commentsThings I want to pay attention to this series. 1) Nothing against the other teams in 6 nations, but apart from Irelands loss to england, I dont feel they got tested, So I think this might be tight. 2) Rassie wants to build depth, and would rather do it before a world cup, but I am sure deep inside, he will be reminded that we have not beaten Ireland in years. 3) Will our new coaches plans be sound abd organised in time for the Ireland series? Remember our warm ups might only see our second or third string players available (When are we going to have one universal calander year?) 4) I see Ireland have moved on from Sexton, but what will Farrels plans be for SA? I am sure he will go for a full strength squad. 5) I think the test for the springboks will be the Durban game, it will be in winter, so not too hot for the Irish,no altitude, and it rains allot, might remind them of home. Loftus, if the springboks play the right game, I feel altitude like with most games before, can cause some challanges. 6) Off topic, but who is both Anxious and excited about what the Abs are coming with? A whole new coaching team and different style of play.
Go to comments