Premier Rugby back Barwell’s call to action for Northampton

Posted on Dec 1, 2009 in Rugby News

Following Keith Barwell’s call to action to Northampton Borough Council this week to have an open public debate about the proposed development of Franklin’s Gardens, Premier Rugby Chief Executive Mark McCafferty, said: “Franklin’s Gardens is one of the best rugby grounds in the country and has benefitted from sympathetic development in recent seasons, which has seen the capacity rise to over 13,000.

“Stadium capacity is the number one issue in our league, which is why clubs like Gloucester Rugby, Leicester Tigers, Harlequins and Worcester Warriors have expanded in recent seasons to take advantage of the growing popularity of the sport.

“The plans Keith Barwell and the board have announced are ambitious ones and should help cement Northampton Saints as a powerful presence in a town with a fine rugby heritage. The club has been playing on the Franklin’s Gardens site for over a century and they should be encouraged to maintain the traditions and history that are such a big part of the Saints. It is the kind of model that could well be adopted by other clubs as we see the interest in rugby continue to grow.”

Gloucester Rugby Heritage online

Posted on Dec 1, 2009 in Rugby News

Gloucester RFC has a long and proud heritage. Capturing, celebrating and sharing over 130 years of its history is the task of the Gloucester Rugby Community Heritage Project.

Today sees the launch of the Gloucester Rugby Heritage web site – www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk

Gloucester Rugby is rightly proud of its long heritage, and with the Gloucester Rugby Community Heritage Project the club is leading the way for others.

The foundations of the project lie in the demolition of the old South Stand, which revealed a goldmine of old photographs, papers and other memorabilia.

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