Northampton Saints and Loughborough Lightning are delighted to confirm a new multi‑year partnership with Shoosmiths, covering both men’s and women’s rugby.
Published: 15 September 2026
The law firm’s branding will feature on playing and warm‑up kits for both teams throughout the 2026/27 season and beyond.
Founded just streets away from Franklin’s Gardens – some 35 years before Saints’ formation in 1880 – Shoosmiths has grown into one of the UK’s leading law firms, recognised for its modern, client‑focused approach and strong reputation across commercial, real estate and corporate sectors.
Today the firm operates from offices in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Brussels, but its roots are firmly embedded in Northamptonshire. Company founder William Shoosmith saw two of his sons represent Saints during the Club’s formative years.
Thurston Laidlaw Shoosmith (CXVII) made eight appearances following his debut in 1888 against Clapham Rovers, while William Buxton Shoosmith played five times, after first featuring in 1889 against Leicester Crusaders.
History was also made in 1986, when following relaxation of the Law Society’s rules on advertising, Shoosmiths became the first law firm to sponsor a rugby match when Saints took on visiting Irish side, Bective Rangers.
Shoosmiths’ kit placement is deliberate. On the match day shirt, the firm appears behind the players, exactly where a trusted adviser should be: supporting, preparing and helping others perform when it matters most. Its presence on the warm-up kit reinforces the same idea, recognising the focus and hard work that happen before the big moment.
The same branding will be showcased across partner club Loughborough Lightning’s equivalent attire in the JAECOO PWR season.
David Jackson, CEO of Shoosmiths, said: “Elite performance doesn’t start at kick‑off. It starts in the preparation, hard work and commitment that come before it. For Shoosmiths, this partnership reflects the role we play for our clients every day: working behind the scenes to help them prepare, make the right decisions and move forward with confidence when it matters most.
“Northampton Saints and Loughborough Lightning are elite professionals, committed to excellence and passionate about winning. We’re honoured to be partnering with two teams that share our ethos.”
Julia Chapman, Chief Executive of Northampton Saints, said: “Shoosmiths is a natural fit as legal partner for Northampton Saints and Loughborough Lightning, bringing together organisations with deep local roots, established profiles and ambitions that extend beyond the national stage.
“Their support across both teams comes at an exciting time for our men’s and women’s programmes, and reflects the ambition, talent and momentum across the Club. We look forward to working together to drive our organisations forward both on and off the pitch.”