Mallinder not worried about losing fans to Coventry-bound Wasps

Wasps announced the acquisition of a 50 per cent interest in the Ricoh Arena on Wednesday and will play their first game at the ground in December.

That will place them on Saints’ radar, with Franklin’s Gardens located little more than 30 miles from the Ricoh.

But Mallinder does not feel Northampton fans in that area will be tempted to switch allegiance and is watching with interest as Wasps prepare to exit Adams Park.

“I think we’ve got some loyal fans, whether that’s from Northampton or sneaking up towards that area (Coventry),” said the director of rugby.

“They’ll still come and watch Northampton, but it’s an interesting move for Wasps from a business point of view.

“It is a terrific stadium- we’ve played at the Ricoh before - and it will be interesting to see what crowds they get and how that develops.”