Graham: Guys were in tears after that defeat but we'll fight ba
The Rugby Paper|May 12, 2024
SAM Graham believes Northampton can turn the heartache of losing last weekend’s Champions Cup semi-final to their advantage as they set their sights on the Premiership title.
PAUL REES 
Graham: Guys were in tears after that defeat but we'll fight ba

The Saints recovered from a slow start in Dublin to trail by three points in the closing minutes and forced Leinster, who had won the previous five meetings between the teams by large margins, to dig deep.

“Guys were in tears at the end,” said back rower Graham. “Everyone gave absolutely everything. It was gutting to lose but we can turn it into a positive. Not many gave us a hope but every person in the group believed we would win. We showed how much we have grown as a team.”

Graham joined Northampton last season from Doncaster. Despite the back row riches at Franklin’s Gardens, he has been a virtual ever-present in Northampton’s matchday 23 this campaign, playing across the back row.

“I have loved the season,” said the 26-year-old who captained the Knights. “There is nothing better than playing week in, week out. I have had to work hard on my defence, a part of the game I really love, but I would like to get the ball in my hands a bit more.

“The coaches have driven my game on. It is so competitive in the back row here and you have to keep moving forward because everyone is as keen as you are to wear the jersey.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 12, 2024 من The Rugby Paper.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 12, 2024 من The Rugby Paper.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من THE RUGBY PAPER مشاهدة الكل
Brough is so Hungary to build on early adventure
The Rugby Paper

Brough is so Hungary to build on early adventure

BIRMINGHAM Moseley winger Daniel Brough says his love for rugby was solidified when he spent two years playing for Portuguese team Lousa alongside Chile international Pablo Casas in what he describes as a \"boy to a man experience\".

time-read
2 mins  |
February 16, 2025
There's more to come from this England pack
The Rugby Paper

There's more to come from this England pack

ENGLAND'S win over France last weekend was a huge confidence booster ahead of Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland because of the way the team gave themselves an opportunity to win - and the players seized the moment.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 16, 2025
Ellis was a rock that we'll never forget, vows Old Reds' Dan
The Rugby Paper

Ellis was a rock that we'll never forget, vows Old Reds' Dan

NATIONAL League rugby was rocked last week when Old Redcliffians prop Ellis Joseph passed away aged 27, and captain Dan Fry says the club's focus is to honour his legacy.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 16, 2025
Coach hails his King for the day
The Rugby Paper

Coach hails his King for the day

REDRUTH had to dig deep to see off a physical Cinderford side who deservedly took a losing bonus point back home.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 16, 2025
Flying Falcons hoping to make it six out of six
The Rugby Paper

Flying Falcons hoping to make it six out of six

SON of a pig farmer, Freddie Lockwood has been a headline-hogging act for Newcastle this season.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 16, 2025
England need to be more consistent
The Rugby Paper

England need to be more consistent

THOSE who believe England have turned a big corner following their last-minute fireworks against France are optimists, simply because their record so far under head coach Steve Borthwick suggests there will be more boom-and-bust.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 16, 2025
Too tall to be a pilot, I found lift-off in rugby
The Rugby Paper

Too tall to be a pilot, I found lift-off in rugby

Jon Newcombe talks to Josh McNally who says that, without the RAF, he would not have achieved anything in the game

time-read
5 mins  |
February 16, 2025
Bears on top but Bath go through
The Rugby Paper

Bears on top but Bath go through

BRISTOL looked the stronger side on paper and so it eventually the bonus-point win still wasn't enough for them to secure a place in the knockout stages proved but Bears were left to rue a 78-19 hammering at the Rec and a surprise defeat at Bedford which left them with too much to do on the final weekend of the competition.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 16, 2025
Great that we found a way to win, says Sleightholme
The Rugby Paper

Great that we found a way to win, says Sleightholme

OLLIE Sleightholme insists England have finally broken their glass ceiling but urged them to take a leaf out his club Northampton's book.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 16, 2025
Diamond's war chest for relegation play-off
The Rugby Paper

Diamond's war chest for relegation play-off

STEVE Diamond has built up a war chest as insurance should Newcastle find themselves in an end-ofseason relegation play-off with key players injured, but he does not anticipate dipping into it.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 16, 2025