Northampton Saints excited to bring RAF v Navy rugby fixture to cinch Stadium

Northampton Saints CEO Julia Chapman is hoping rugby fans will flock to the cinch Stadium at Franklin Gardens to support military rugby union when the RAF take on the Navy on 19 April.

The match will played at the 15,249 capacity stadium for the first time ever and completes a trio of world class facilities for the Inter Service championships with the Allianz Stadium and Kingsholm Stadium hosting the other fixtures.

For Northampton, it's another chance to recognise the club's military history which includes iconic figures such as Edgar Mobbs and 20 other Saints players killed in the line of duty.

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In modern history, the club have had servicemen pull on the green shirt including the Navy's Sam Matavesi from 2019 to 2024.

"We've had strong links with the military for over a century now so it's really exciting for us," said Chapman.

"We certainly hope [the match will be popular]. We're hoping that as it is the Easter weekend and the Saturday that people will be looking for something to do.

"We have a real family following at Northampton Saints so if anyone's looking for some great rugby and great entertainment, we're hoping that they come here."

The CEO also revealed that is a three-year deal with military rugby saying: "We hope that this is the start of a long and happy relationship."