Northampton Saints Seek Second Premiership Title a Decade After Historic 2014 Triumph
10 years after their dramatic 24-20 extra-time victory over Saracens in the 2013/14 Premiership final, the Northampton Saints have once again reached the prestigious title decider, as they aim to end a 10-year drought and clinch their second league crown.
Ahead of the highly anticipated showdown against Bath, we take a deep dive into the careers of the stars who were part of that triumphant 2014 squad, exploring where they are now after leaving Franklin’s Gardens.
Ben Foden, the England full-back, wrapped up his illustrious Premiership tenure with over 200 appearances for the Saints before joining Rugby United New York. Now a real estate agent in the Big Apple, Foden also had stints in coaching at Iona University and Fordham University.
The Pisi brothers, Ken and George, were integral parts of the 2014 team, with Ken representing the Saints for nearly a decade until 2019, while George ventured to Australia’s Western Force after over 130 games for the club, later returning to New Zealand.
Powerful centre Luther Burrell, who played both rugby league and union, left Northampton in 2019 and had a brief spell with Warrington before rejoining the Premiership with Newcastle. Now retired, Burrell has been open about his mental health struggles and racism in rugby, working as a keynote speaker.
Welsh legend George North departed the Saints in 2018 for the Ospreys, and after 121 international caps, he has announced his retirement from Test rugby, set to continue his career with French Pro D2 side Provence.
Fly-half Stephen Myler, one of Northampton’s all-time greats with 330 appearances, played for London Irish and the Ospreys before retiring, while also working with the Wales Women’s team in a coaching capacity.
Other members of the 2014 squad, such as Kahn Fotuali’i, Sam Dickinson, Tom Wood, Calum Clark, and Courtney Lawes, have all gone on to have successful careers, with some transitioning into coaching, business, and other off-field roles after hanging up their boots.
As Northampton Saints look to reclaim the Premiership title a decade on, the memories of their 2014 triumph and the journeys of the players involved will undoubtedly inspire the current squad in their quest for glory.
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