Thousands of Saints fans celebrate trophy win with players in victory parade

Thousands of rugby fans lined the streets of Northampton for an open top bus parade and heroes welcome, after the Saints secured the Premiership trophy for the first time in a decade.

The Saints were crowned Gallagher Premiership champions at Twickenham after a late try by Alex Mitchell secured a 25-21 victory over Bath.

The squad, complete with their new silverware, left cinch stadium at Franklin's Gardens before winding through the town to the Guildhall in St Giles Square for a civic celebration.

In front of a sea of Black, Green and Gold, the team posed proudly as they celebrated their achievement with the fans.

"I’ve been playing rugby since I was six years old, I’ve been playing for 21 years and this is the pinnacle of my rugby career" said lock Alex Moon.

"Looking around I’ve been crying my eyes out since the final whistle, I’m so dehydrated from the game, from crying, but this is the greatest moment ever of my rugby career" he added.

For Courtney Lawes, the final was his last hurrah with the Saints, with the 35-year old now joining ambitious French second division team Brive.

The former England captain made his Northampton debut in 2007 and has amassed 282 appearances, claiming his only previous Premiership winners medal in 2014.

After the final whistle fellow flanker Lewis Ludlam said he was 'buzzing."

"The fans have been brilliant- two words for you- shoe army!"

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