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.
Esta historia es de la edición May 12, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición May 12, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
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YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
