As part of the Black, Green and Golden Age project, Northampton Saints Foundation’ Heritage Team has curated a remarkable collection of oral histories that capture the voices and memories of former Northampton Saints players. 

These interviews offer a rare and intimate glimpse into life at the Club during one of its most iconic periods – the 1950s and 1960s.

This page is dedicated to preserving and sharing those stories. Through recorded conversations, players reflect on their time at Franklin’s Gardens, recounting the camaraderie, challenges, and triumphs that defined their playing careers. 

These are not just tales of rugby, but of community, identity, and legacy.

Why It Matters

These oral histories are part of a wider effort to document and celebrate the rich heritage of Northampton Saints. 

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project has trained volunteers in oral history techniques, digitisation, and archiving to ensure these memories are preserved for future generations.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a student of the game, or simply curious about the Club’s past, this page invites you to explore the voices that shaped Saints’ golden era.

Oral Histories

You can listen to a series of Oral History examples from a selection of former Saints players by clicking the links below. To explore the full archive, please contact our Heritage team HERE. 

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Roger Horwood #1259

Horwood’s influence on Northampton Saints extends far beyond his 200-plus appearances in the front row over 17 seasons, a spell interrupted by two years’ RAF service. His tireless efforts organising events in the old Sturtridge Pavilion raised vital funds that enabled the Club to purchase Franklin’s Gardens, laying the foundation for today’s superb facilities. As part of the “Gang of Seven”, Roger played a pivotal role in the 1988 revolution that transformed Saints’ future. He guided the transition to professionalism as a management committee member, later serving as Club Secretary for a decade, President for two years, and board member for five. An honorary life member since 2001, Roger also championed heritage, co-founding the Crooked Hooker in 1989 to celebrate the Club’s past. His outstanding legacy was recognised in 2018 with induction into the Northampton Saints Hall of Fame.

• Roger remembers his first Northampton Saints match.
• Roger recalls nearly getting called-up to play for England.
• Roger names the players that stood above the rest during his time at the Club.

John Shurvington #1275

Shurvinton joined Northampton Saints from Leamington RFC, where he had been a successful captain. Known for his versatility, he often played out of position to support the team. The 1961/62 annual report noted: “J. Shurvinton, although playing out of position, was adequate” and praised his ability as a utility player who deputised at fullback when needed. A match programme against Leicester on 28 October 1961 remarked: “Such is the penalty of being a good all-round player.” By the following season, his form improved significantly. The 1962/63 annual report stated: “J. Shurvinton played in the concluding matches of the season and showed significant form which suggested he might have been included earlier.” His adaptability and commitment made him a valuable asset during this era.

• John remembers his first Northampton Saints match.
• John names the players that stood above the rest during his time at the Club.
• John recalls some of the injuries he sustained during his career.

Geoff Allen #1283

Allen began his Saints career as a centre at just 19, making his debut against Moseley in 1963 after being fast-tracked into the first team without playing for the seconds. He went on to make 136 first-team appearances before a knee injury, requiring two operations, ended his playing days at 29. However, his greatest impact came off the pitch. Over 37 years, he served as Team Secretary, Club Secretary, President, Chairman, Chief Executive, and match-day PA announcer, retiring from the latter role in 2019. His unwavering dedication shaped the Club’s modern era and, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution, Allen was inducted into the Northampton Saints Hall of Fame in 2018 – a fitting tribute to a man whose influence extended far beyond the field.

• Geoff remembers his first Northampton Saints match.
• Geoff recalls his greatest season in Black, Green and Gold.
• Geoff recounts playing in the Mobbs Memorial Match.

Robin Jolliffe #1302

Jolliffe represented Northampton Saints as a winger between 1963 and 1966, making 21 appearances and scoring nine tries for a total of 27 points. A Cambridge Blue, Jolliffe earned representative honours with the Barbarians, highlighting his quality as a player. The 1964/65 annual report described him as “a player well above the average,” reflecting his strong performances during his time at Franklin’s Gardens. After leaving Saints, he continued his rugby journey with Richmond and later made a handful of appearances for Billericay RFC.

• Robin recounts what he used to eat as a Saints player.
• Robin remembers his favourite match in Black, Green and Gold.
• Robin recalls his relationship with Ron Jacobs.

Keith Savage #1309

Savage joined Saints from Leamington Spa RFC in 1963, often hitchhiking to training as he had no car. Nicknamed the “Leamington Flier” for his blistering pace, he excelled on the wing but also played centre, which he preferred on cold afternoons. The 1964/65 annual report praised his “splendid pace and opportunism”, predicting higher honours – a prophecy fulfilled when he made his England debut against Wales in January 1966. Savage toured with the British & Irish Lions in 1966, scoring a try against Canada, and returned for the 1968 South Africa tour. A trained PE teacher from Loughborough College, he spent time teaching in South Africa before rejoining Saints. In 2025, Keith was inducted into the Northampton Saints Hall of Fame, recognising his exceptional contribution to Club and international rugby.

• Keith remembers his first Northampton Saints match.
• Keith recounts his favourite match in Black, Green and Gold.
• Keith recalls Andy Hancock’s famous try against Scotland.

Jim Hetherington #1195

Hetherington joined Saints in 1954, introduced by fellow Cambridge student David Bland. Initially focused on football, he switched to rugby under Don White’s guidance, earning his Cambridge Blue in 1955/56. Hetherington debuted for Saints against Llanelli and quickly gained a reputation as an adventurous, dynamic fullback. He made his England debut in February 1958 against Australia, a brutal match that left him concussed. Another concussion against Ireland curtailed that season, but he returned to win four more caps before retiring in 1960 due to ongoing head injuries. Over six seasons, Hetherington made 117 appearances, scoring 219 points, and was hailed in the 1959/60 annual report as “the best fullback in the Club’s history.” His instinctive talent and resilience secured him a lasting place in Saints’ heritage.

• Jim remembers his first Northampton Saints match.
• Jim names some of his favourite teammates from his career.
• Jim recalls what the team’s socials were like during his playing days.

Bob Taylor #1295

Bob Taylor’s rugby journey began almost by chance – he admitted to being “ambivalent” about the sport and nearly signed a football contract with Northampton Town. Instead, he burst onto the Saints scene as a raw 20-year-old in 1962, making 22 appearances in his debut season and soon earning England honours. Taylor became a key figure in the back row during a transitional era for Saints, helping drive an 18-match unbeaten run in 1964-65 and touring South Africa with England in 1968, playing all four Tests. He captained England in the 1970 Five Nations and the RFU Centenary Test, retiring with over 300 Saints appearances and nearly 300 points. Off the field, Taylor’s impact was immense – Club President, RFU committees, and ultimately RFU President in 2007. His dedication to rugby administration and East Midlands development cemented his status as one of the game’s most influential figures.

• Bob remembers how he was scouted to play for Saints.
• Bob recalls a cover tackle made by Dickie Jeeps.
• Bob names the players that stood above the rest during his time at the Club.

John Cooley #1298

Cooley was one of several players trialled in the playmaker role after Tommy Gray’s retirement. Moving from Bedford, where he was rarely used at fly-half, Cooley faced the same challenge at Saints, often playing centre – a position where his powerful tackling excelled. Though he considered leaving, he stayed and made 221 appearances over nine years, scoring 231 points. The 1964/65 annual report praised him as “a strong, thrustful player” with “destructive” tackling, earning selection for the Rest of England against Warwickshire in April 1965. That season, he received his Saints cap and later represented East Midlands v Barbarians in March 1968. Cooley concluded his career back at Bedford RFC, leaving a legacy as a versatile, hard-hitting player who adapted to the team’s needs.

• John remembers an Easter Tour with Saints.
• John recalls a home matchday at Franklin’s Gardens.
• John picks out the toughest matches from his playing career.

David Powell #1307

Powell is a true Northampton Saints institution. Four years as captain, 15 as a player, and 24 tries would be enough to mark him as a Club legend, but his legacy goes further – he maintained the finest pitch in English club rugby for over 20 years. Fate played its part in his rise. At the start of the 1965/66 season, Powell was on the fringes of first-team selection after joining Saints via Long Buckby and Rugby. When Roger Turnell dislocated his shoulder, Powell seized the chance, scoring three tries that October. His dominant form earned an England debut against Wales, and though his international career lasted 11 matches, he became the only English forward selected for the 1966 British Lions tour, where he gained the nickname “Piggy”. Powell went on to make 370 appearances, captain Saints to nine straight wins in 1967/68, coach in the mid-1980s, and later became renowned for maintaining Franklin’s Gardens’ pristine pitch – often remembered as the stern voice keeping youngsters off the turf!

• David remembers his first Northampton Saints match.
• David recalls how he got his famous nickname.
• David recounts an Easter Tour with the men in Black, Green and Gold.

Alan Folwell #1338

Folwell, born in Pattishall, Northamptonshire in 1946 first featured for the Wanderers in 1964 before making his Northampton Saints debut in 1966. Over five seasons, Folwell made 35 first-team appearances in the second row, scoring five tries for a total of 15 points. His rugby career ran parallel to an impressive academic path – studying natural sciences and completing a PhD at Cambridge University. While at Cambridge, he represented the university rugby team and earned a prestigious Cambridge Blue. Folwell’s combination of sporting talent and academic achievement reflects the calibre of players who shaped Saints’ history during this era.

• Alan remembers his first Northampton Saints match.
• Alan recounts what he used to eat as a Saints player.
• Alan recalls what Franklin’s Gardens was like in the 1960s.