The Gallagher Premiership table after round one highlighted how you can get strange quirks in this game, defending champions Northampton finding themselves at the bottom 16 weeks after they lifted the trophy at Twickenham.
The England scrum-half had been named to start in the Saints team for their September 13 friendly versus Bedford, but he was a late withdrawal.
The England scrum-half had been named to start in the Saints team for their September 13 friendly versus Bedford, but he was a late withdrawal.
All 10 clubs have named their teams and numerous selections catch the eye. For instance, Beno Obano, whose red card was influential in tilting last June’s Twickenham showpiece result in favour of Northampton, has completed his suspension and is a Bath starter at The Rec.
Australia flanker Josh Kemeny is set to make his competitive debut for Gallagher Premiership champions Northampton Saints on Friday against Bath at the Rec in the opening match of the season.
Australia flanker Josh Kemeny is set to make his competitive debut for Gallagher Premiership champions Northampton Saints on Friday against Bath at the Rec in the opening match of the season.
Five England internationals are set to return to Northampton Saints’ line-up for their final pre-season match this Friday in the Mobbs Memorial Match.
Five England internationals are set to return to Northampton Saints’ line-up for their final pre-season match this Friday in the Mobbs Memorial Match.
England have named a starting XV to play Fiji on Thursday at the Junior World Championship showing a dozen changes from last Saturday’s opening-round draw with Ireland.
New Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson will lead a group of 60 players in his first season at the helm - up from 58 in 2021/22 - with 19 new faces arriving at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, including Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
