New book celebrates one of Northampton’s most beloved sporting institutions
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A tribute to the people who shaped the club
A new book celebrating one of Northampton’s most beloved sporting institutions has been released by local author and Old Northamptonians Hon Secretary, Stuart MacDonald.
There Will Always Be Saturday: Becoming the ‘Self‑Proclaimed’ Best 3rd XV in the UK charts the unlikely rise — and the enduring spirit — of the Old Northamptonians 3rd XV, a team woven into the fabric of Billing Road and the town’s sporting identity.
Across more than a decade, the side transformed from a scratch outfit scrambling for numbers into a group that helped define the culture of the club. MacDonald’s memoir captures the characters, camaraderie, humour and deep sense of belonging that have long made the ONs a cornerstone of Northampton life.
At the heart of the book is a tribute to the people who shaped the club, including former Chairman and President Jack Doughty, whose influence continues to echo through generations of players and volunteers.
“For me, this isn’t just a rugby story,” MacDonald said. “It’s a Northampton story — about community, friendship, and the people who make this town what it is.”
MacDonald, who lives in Northampton and now serves as Hon Secretary of the club, wrote the book to preserve the memories, folklore and spirit of a team that has meant so much to so many.
The book is available now on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GWMV4Q22