Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers clash moved to Twickenham in aid of Rob Horne
Rob Horne announced retirement from game at age of 28
©PA
Northampton Saints have confirmed that their Gallagher Premiership game against Leicester Tigers in the first week of October will be played at Twickenham Stadium in aid of former Australia international Rob Horne.
Horne, who joined Northampton in 2017 was forced to quit the game on medical grounds after suffering nerve damage which left his right arm paralysed following the team's game win over Leicester at Welford Road last season. The 28-year-old played 21 times for the Saints in the 2017/18 season and was named the club's player of the season.
Earlier in the summer, the Rugby Football Union had approached the Saints to conduct a home fixture at the iconic ground to keep a check on the new East Stand development ahead of autumn internationals and the Franklin's Gardens outfit decided to use the opportunity to help Horne.
For every season ticket holder ticket purchased, Northampton Saints will donate £5 to Horne while the supporters also have an option to contribute to the fund directly to the Wallaby star, with an option to include a contribution to Rob Horne for the other ticket sales.
“The outpouring of support for Rob at the end of last season from the whole rugby community in the East Midlands was overwhelming – and we wanted to act,” said Saints Chairman John White.
“The club received countless requests from both Saints and Tigers supporters for a fitting way in which they could both bid farewell to Rob and also support him.
“Leicester Tigers’ chairman and board have also made it clear that they are very keen to help Rob in any way they can, and this is a superb way to do that.”
Horne has played 34 Tests for Australia between 2010 and 2017 and will be present at Twickenham during the game.
“Everyone at the club has gone above and beyond to support me and my family through an incredibly difficult time,” he said.
“I’ve been humbled by the outpouring of support from both Northampton Saints supporters and many of the Tigers fans that were at that game too.
“I am touched by the additional gesture the club are making in staging this game, and I can’t wait to see my teammates run out at Twickenham.
“I hope we can raise some awareness for brachial plexus injuries, as well as being treated to another chapter in this storied rivalry.”
