Northampton chairman Keith Barwell has announced he will step down from the role in September to be replaced by his son Leon.
Northampton chairman to hand over to son in September
Northampton chairman Keith Barwell has announced he will step down from the role in September to be replaced by his son Leon.
Barwell ensured the Saints' transition to professionalism with his initial million-pound investment and has been a central figure at the club for the last 20 years.
Northampton have won the Heineken Cup, European Challenge Cup and LV= Cup during Barwell's time there, while he has also presided over the rebuilding of Franklin's Gardens.
Since 2001 Northampton Saints plc has run at a surplus, being the only club in England to do so.
"I have had the fortune of being involved in club rugby during a very exciting time and it has been an honour being chairman of the Saints," Barwell said.
"I believe that it is the right time for me to be stepping aside as chairman. The club is on an upward trend on and off the field and will be in safe hands."
Barwell will still serve on the club's board of directors for a further 12 months and his family will remain as majority shareholders.
Leon Barwell will assume the position of chairman after a unanimous vote of the board in early March.
