The 2023/24 Premiership final at Twickenham was a fiercely contested encounter between Northampton Saints and Bath, with the Saints aiming to end their ten-year wait for a Gallagher Premiership title. With the departure of the renowned Courtney Lawes to a team across the Channel in the upcoming season, the team was resolute in providing him with a memorable send-off. The match was a captivating spectacle, culminating in Northampton emerging as 25-21 victors after a remarkable come-from-behind triumph.
Despite enjoying a numerical advantage for the majority of the game following Beno Obano’s red card, Northampton struggled to assert their authority. In contrast, Bath exhibited resilience and skill by gradually narrowing the gap and assuming the lead. It was in the 73rd minute that Alex Mitchell’s converted try shifted the momentum in favour of Northampton, securing their long-awaited Premiership title.
The individual performances of players during the final were exceptional, with several key contributors making significant strides towards Northampton’s success. George Furbank, Tommy Freeman, and Ollie Sleightholme were all lauded for their outstanding contributions on the field. The team’s rookie of the year, Fin Smith, displayed remarkable poise and skill throughout the game, despite sustaining an injury.
A standout moment of the match was George Hendy’s game-changing display as a substitute. Following a challenging start, he rallied admirably and played a pivotal role in setting up Mitchell’s title-clinching try. Additionally, the experience and leadership of Lewis Ludlam were pivotal in guiding the team through challenging moments.
Veteran prop Alex Waller, who played his final game before retiring, delivered a commendable performance in the first half, while Courtney Lawes’ influence and composure were instrumental in guiding Northampton to victory. The team as a whole demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of Bath’s formidable challenge, ultimately proving themselves as deserving champions.
The Premiership final was a thrilling contest that showcased the best of English rugby, with Northampton’s hard-earned triumph serving as a fitting conclusion to their season. As the team celebrates their long-awaited victory, they can reflect on their performance with pride and satisfaction, having overcome formidable opposition to secure the Premiership title. This triumph signals the dawn of a new chapter for Northampton rugby and sets the stage for future successes in forthcoming seasons.