Can 'best Northampton team ever' become one of English rugby's greats?
Does Northampton Saints' second Prem Rugby title in three seasons suggest a dynasty is being built at the club?
By Harry de Cosemo
That youth production line has been the cornerstone of their success, and ex-Northampton and England winger Chris Ashton says it has allowed them to make bold decisions.
Captain George Furbank bowed out in style as he prepares to leave his boyhood club to join Harlequins.
"They are what every club in England is aspiring to be," Ashton said. "They've got it right.
"They have a group of players who inspire kids in their tone that makes them want to play for Saints, which then produces an amazing academy with all these players coming through.
"The club is run properly. They've made a business decision to let George Furbank go because it is right for the club. They can do that because they back the talent that is coming through.
"They are leading the way and are deserved winners."
Furbank admitted he was feeling a wave of different emotions as his Saints career comes to an end.
"I said to the boys I don't really know how to feel after the final whistle," he told BBC Sport.
"It was a mix of relief, happiness, sadness, all merged into one.
"It was a different feeling to the last time we won it - I think we're going to have a good few days to celebrate and it'll all sink in."