Northampton have returned to the Guinness Premiership at the first time of asking.
Northampton claim National League One promotion
Northampton have returned to the Guinness Premiership at the first time of asking after defeating National League One title rivals Exeter 18-8 at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.
The Saints, relegated on the last day of last season, secured top spot and a swift return by claiming their 26th successive league win of the campaign.
Second-placed Exeter cannot catch them despite there being four games remaining, so Northampton can celebrate their top flight return.
Hooker Dylan Hartley scored two tries, while wing Paul Diggin also went over the whitewash and full-back Bruce Reihana booted a second-half penalty in the win.
