Two days after George North helped Wales beat England in the Six Nations, we revealed him as a transfer target for Saints.
Now, more than three weeks later, it has finally been announced that the Scarlets star will strut his stuff at Franklin’s Gardens next season.
In between times, it seems everyone had their say on North leaving Wales to play Premiership rugby for Jim Mallinder’s men.
Here is how we reported the events from start to finish in what has become one of the most talked about stories in rugby in recent years.
Monday, March 18: North meets Saints boss Jim Mallinder at a Northampton pub. We break the story of Saints’ interest in the player.
Tuesday, March 19: North’s agent Christian Abt revealed talks had taken place between Saints and Scarlets about a deal for the player.
Wednesday, March 20: Scarlets boss Simon Easterby says his club are ‘desperate’ to keep North and admits it would be a ‘disaster’ for Welsh rugby should the 20-year-old move to England.
Sunday, March 24: Saints boss Jim Mallinder is coy on reports linking him with North, telling the Chron: “We’ve got a couple of positions we’re looking to fill and we’ll bring in the best players we possibly can.”
Thursday, March 28: Saints chairman Leon Barwell reveals the club’s interest in North to the Chron, saying he is giving the Wales winger ‘time and space’ to make his mind up on a move to the club and stressing that he must be fully committed to signing a deal at the Gardens.
Wednesday, April 3: It is widely reported North has agreed a two-year deal at Saints, but the club remain tight-lipped and refuse to comment on the speculation.
Tuesday, April 9: North is confirmed as a Northampton player by Scarlets.