George Furbank: Departing Northampton Saints captain targeting fairytale finish in Prem final

Furbank, who has won 14 England caps, has been at the heart of a developing dynasty at Saints.

Driven by a core of young, homegrown talent, Northampton are preparing for a third major final in three seasons and are looking to take back the Prem title they won in 2024.

For Furbank, who joined the academy in 2015 and made his full debut two years later, his time at the Gardens has been memorable.

“It’s a special group,” he said.

“A lot of us will call each other best mates, and we spend probably too much time together, to be honest, off the pitch, but I think that is what’s so special about this group.

“We do spend a ridiculous amount of time together, and so when it comes on to the pitch, it does feel natural.

“There’s something about playing with a group of mates that makes you want to go that little bit further and run that little bit more and hit that little bit harder.

“I’ve loved my time here genuinely from minute one to my last game on Saturday.

“It’s been a pleasure coming to work, it never feels like work, because you come into a place where you are basically just hanging out with your mates, having a laugh, and doing something that you love for a living.

“So, yes, it’s been a pretty cool 10 years.”