The club originated when a group of ‘Rover Scouts’ were chatting around the campfire at Castle Ashby, just outside Northampton.

It transpired that several of those at the campfire, played for a rugby club that was soon to fold and from this a new club, Northampton Old Scouts, was formed in 1926.

The club was fairly nomadic during the early years but eventually moved to its current grounds in Rushmere Road, during the 1960’s.

Since then the club has gone from strength to strength and during the 1970’s, a mini and junior section was formed. This has proved to be a hugely successful set-up with several players coming through the ranks and onto play for Northampton Saints, England and the British & Irish Lions.

We are proud that two of our former junior players, Ben Cohen (Lion #693) and Steve Thompson (Lion #732) were part of the England XV that won the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

Other alumni include Courtney Lawes (Lion #826) who played in his third World Cup (Japan 2019) and the 2021 Lions Tour to South Africa.

Recently starting their professional careers are Ollie Sleightholme and Connor Tupai.

Ollie first wore the Old Scouts colours as an under 6 and played all his mini and junior rugby for the Old Scouts and has been part of the set-up at Franklins Gardens since he was 13. He has also played for England under 18’s and was part of the England under 20’s at the World Cup in 2019.

Connor started playing at the Scouts a few years later and was named Man-of-the Match in the NatWest Schools Cup at Twickenham in 2016. He made his full Saints debut in 2018 – another young and local player in the set-up at Northampton Saints.

We have also had numerous players who have represented their country at various age groups, as well as Jack Hunt who has been part of the England Deaf Rugby squad. Old Scouts Roll of Honours

Our 1st XV has regularly brought silverware back to Rushmere Road – most recently, the Lewis Shield in 2019. Old Scouts Honours Board

In 2007, we welcomed the Bold Dragoon Cricket Club to our home and in recent seasons have also embraced the Northampton Outlaws to be part of our set-up – they were the first inclusive rugby team in the East Midlands; they themselves have also added a woman’s team into their own club.

Recently Northampton Heathens have also based themselves from Rushmere Road.

Our grounds are also used by the wider local community for various summer camps and activities as well as the Northampton University Rugby and Northamptonshire Ladies Police Rugby teams and we will also be hosting training and games for COYS Touch Rugby.

Northampton Old Scouts

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