Outgoing Darbon 'proud' of Saints achievements

Mark Darbon joined Northampton Saints as chief executive in 2017

The outgoing chief executive of Northampton Saints says he is "proud" of the club's achievements during his tenure.

Mark Darbon, who joined the club in 2017, oversaw last season's Premiership win, the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2018-19, as well as a club record turnover of almost £22m.

The 45-year-old announced in July that he would be leaving the club in November to take up a new role as the chief executive of the R&A, the governing body for golf.

Speaking to BBC Radio Northampton, Mark Darbon said: "I think what I'm most proud of is how we won the Premiership. We did it with a young, home-grown squad that we'd been building for a number of seasons, and we were in the bottom third of spenders in the league."

Despite leaving his role, Darbon will remain part of Northampton Saints as a non-executive director.

During Darbon's time at the helm, the club have forged partnerships with Bedford Blues and Loughborough Lightning teams and is planning a hotel development and a new club crest.

Northampton Saints will also be one of the host venues for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.

Darbon said it felt "really strange" to not work at the club anymore. He added: "I've loved my time there, mainly because of the people.

"It's been a really important part of my life. I'm a lifelong fan, and the same will be true of my family.

"I'm missing [the job] already."