Defending Gallagher Premiership champions Northampton Saints started their pre-season with a trip to the church where the club was first formed, their director of rugby has revealed.
Phil Dowson, who helped guide the Saints to their first championship in ten years last season, told The Times that he took the squad to St. James' church on the first day of pre-season. The club was founded in the church by Reverend Samuel Wathan Wigg in 1880 as an improvement class for local 'high-spirited' boys. It soon developed into the rugby club that plays within a stone's throw of the building.
"We took the Premiership trophy there and had our first meeting there," Dowson said. "It was just for a change of scenery and for the new players to understand some of the history."
Several Saints players have been brought into the team for this year's title defence, whilst longtime club servant and former captain Courtney Lawes has left the club after 17 years.
Lawes garnered attention from Christian quarters in 2020, when he spoke out urging people to marry before having children. His departure creates opportunities for leadership from other key players, including Alex Coles, who has previously spoken about how his Christian upbringing influences his life.
Northampton Saints begin this season's campaign on Friday 20th September against Bath - whom they beat in last year's final.
