Former England rugby physio named Saints' president

A former England rugby physiotherapist who helped guide the team to World Cup victory in 2003 has been named as the new president of Northampton Saints.

Phil Pask, a former Saints player, will take up the honorary role at the start of the 2026/27 season, replacing Keith Barwell who is standing down after 15 years.

Pask said it was "massive" and a "privilege" to have been chosen.

He made his club debut in 1986 and made more than 250 appearances for the Saints as a forward, before retiring from his playing career in 1996 and taking up physiotherapy.

Pask told BBC Radio Northampton's Saints Show that the news was "massive, to be quite honest I've been overwhelmed".

"It's just been a privilege to be associated with Saints, to play and work with so many great players, coaches and staff, and all the supporters have been so kind to me.

"I am incredibly proud of the journey that has taken me from Worksop Rugby Club to a career at Saints."

He said he was looking forward to promoting the club's "heritage and long-term vision".

After his playing career, he served as a fitness trainer and then a physiotherapist, contributing to Northampton's victory in the 2000 Heineken Cup Final, the club said.

He was also England's senior physiotherapist for more than two decades and also served as the senior physio for the British and Irish Lions, touring New Zealand in 2005 and 2017, South Africa in 2009, and Australia in 2013.

Julia Chapman, the club's chief executive, said: "That breadth of experience gives him a unique understanding of what Saints stand for, both on and off the field, and it's what makes him such a powerful advocate for the club.

"He is an outstanding ambassador.

"Phil attends virtually every match we play, home and away."

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