Furbank targets second title medal in Northampton farewell before Harlequins move

George Furbank will bid farewell to Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night when table-topping Northampton host fourth-placed Leicester in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs, with the England full-back determined to sign off with a second league title before joining Harlequins next season.

The 29-year-old has captained Northampton since 2024 and spent eight years at the club after coming through its academy system. His move to Harlequins was confirmed earlier this season following a prolonged transfer saga, but Furbank insists the manner of his exit has left no bad blood.

“The dream ending would be to go and lift the trophy again because that’s what I play rugby to do,” Furbank said. “To do that in my last game for Saints would also be pretty epic, so it’s definitely a driving factor. That was an incredibly special day and I’d love a fairy-tale ending, but I’m pretty aware that fairy tales don’t happen just easily. You’ve got to go out and earn those moments.”

Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson was full of praise for the way Furbank handled the uncertainty surrounding his future, describing him as a “ridiculous player” and a “resilient character”. Dowson acknowledged that Saints, despite their on-field success, were unable to match the financial offers tabled by Harlequins and other clubs — the club ranks among the Premiership’s three lowest spenders on wages.

“The way he has dealt with the setback of the contract situation and carried on playing really well and driving the group shows his maturity and character,” Dowson said. “He still had a really open relationship with me and the other coaches when he could have been upset and that was epic. It spoke loads about him.”

Furbank echoed that sentiment, crediting an honest dialogue with the club for ensuring his departure remained amicable. “I wanted the club to be as honest as possible with me and I was going to be as honest as possible with them,” he said. “This has been my boyhood club for 10 years so I didn’t want to fall out with anyone.”

He also acknowledged the reality of Northampton’s recruitment philosophy, which prioritises developing academy talent over retaining players at premium wages. “I know the mantra Northampton have in wanting to bring young boys through and I think that’s what stands this club in great stead,” Furbank added. “It’s nothing personal, that’s sport at the end of the day.”

Friday’s play-off tie against East Midlands rivals Leicester gives Furbank one final opportunity to add to his 2024 title winners medal before closing the chapter on a decade at the club.