Coronavirus pandemic sees Saints postpone dinner celebrating 20th anniversary of European Cup win

The club was due to stage the black tie dinner next Thursday (March 19), to mark the occasion of 20 years since Munster were beaten 9-8 in the Heineken European Cup Final at Twickenham.

The dinner will now be held at a later date, which will be confirmed in due course.

A club statement read: "Northampton Saints have regrettably taken the decision to postpone next week’s European Cup Winners Anniversary Dinner indefinitely, as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak."

Saints head of sales, Edwin Turnham, added: “It is a great shame to have to postpone what was set to be a fantastic event here at Franklin’s Gardens.

“We are deeply proud of our history at Northampton Saints, and were very much looking forward to welcoming the squad of 2000 back to Franklin’s Gardens to honour their achievement and celebrate one of the finest days in the club’s history.

“But the welfare of our supporters and former players in this situation must be at the forefront of our thinking.

“With a large number of former players and guests travelling varying distances to reach Franklin’s Gardens, we have made a pragmatic decision – albeit one we have not taken lightly.”

Existing tickets for the dinner will remain valid and further information will be provided directly to all bookers (via email).