'Incredible' support makes Saints' title celebrations even more special for Furbank

The black, green and gold beat Exeter Chiefs 26-17 in the Gallagher PREM final on Saturday afternoon before hopping on the bus back to cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.

They were met with a big crowd back at the club, partying long into the night.

They then got to soak up an open-top bus parade around Northampton on Sunday afternoon, with thousands of Saints supporters celebrating with their heroes.

And Furbank, who has won the PREM with Saints twice in three years, said: "It's special.

"I never thought I'd get to win one so to win two is incredible.

"It's been a special 10 years and I owe a lot to this club.

"To finish it with these boys has been amazing.

"Hopefully I'll go on a tour (with England) first and play in that and then come the off-season it will probably all sink in."

Discussing the support Saints receive from their fans, departing skipper Furbank said: "It's incredible.

"I don't think you can get many clubs who can do an open-top bus parade and have the fans we've had here.

"When we got back to the ground on Saturday night and it was just rammed, it makes it a bit more special."

Two years ago, the Saints players feared few people would turn up to celebrate with them, but those worries were quickly allayed.

"I thought it was going to be a little bit tragic having an open-top bus tour and one man and his dog turning up so to come round the corner and see a full market square was incredible," Furbank said of the 2024 title parade.

Friends and family of the players were able to celebrate with them at the Gardens on Saturday night.

And Furbank said: "I owe my parents a lot for the time they spent driving me to places, and the support they've given me is incredible.

"To share it with my loved ones and have them on the journey with me is epic.

"You get a bit emotional when you go and see them after the game.

"They know how much it means to me and I know how much it means to them as well so to share that moment with them is incredible."

But Furbank's parents have a big job to do while he heads to England camp today.

"They're busy focusing on moving me out of my house!" Furbank said.

"Into camp while my family move me out of my house, it's all happening!"

So how does this title triumph compare with the one two years ago?

"It's different feelings," said Saints Academy product Furbank, who will join Harlequins this summer.

"Nothing will replicate the first time you do it and obviously this is the last time I'll do it in a Saints shirt.

"There's lots of different emotions between those years but it's as special as last time."