Julia Chapman: Northampton Saints appoint new chief executive

“We have seen a period of success, on and off the pitch, over the last few years, but there is still a lot of opportunity for growth and a lot to achieve as a company.”

She added: “There are still challenges ahead, both specifically for Saints and in the wider context of rugby, but we have a really strong strategy and my in-depth knowledge of the club’s finances gives me an advantage in my new role as we look to build a sustainable future, returning to profitability as quickly as possible.”

In last season’s Premiership final, Northampton beat Bath 25-21 at Twickenham, their first win in a decade.

However, the club announced it will make a pre-tax loss of £1.1m in the financial year to the end of June 2023, despite a record turnover of almost £22m.

Chapman will take up his new role at the end of November when Darbon leaves to join the R&A, which runs The Open Championship each year.

Describing her as a “standout appointment”, chairman John White said: “We were keen to ensure a smooth transition following Mark Darbon’s successful tenure and we have no doubt that Julia’s understanding of our priorities going forward will ensure we continue to improve the way we operate and deliver success both on and off the pitch.

“Northampton Saints is in good shape but continuous improvement is what we are all about so we would welcome her insights and ideas for the future.”

Chapman is the second female chief executive in the Premiership, joining Andrea Pinchem from Leicester Tigers, with Lucy Wray stepping down from her position at Saracens at the end of January.

Saints will begin the new season with a return match against Bath at The Rec on Friday 20th September.