International stars ready to return as Saints look forward to Black Lion battle

The likes of Alex Coles, Henry Pollock, Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman have all been on a mandatory rest period following their England endeavours during the summer.

But they are now available again and set to get some game time in the final tune-up before the Gallagher PREM starts with a home match against new-look Newcastle Red Bulls next Friday night (September 25).

Saints have already played two matches so far this season, losing both of their PREM Rugby Cup clashes to date.

But they fielded largely youthful teams in those scraps at Saracens and Harlequins.

And there is set to be a far more senior look to this week’s team selection as Saints seek to give crucial minutes to many of the men who will expect to play a big part against Red Bulls at the Gardens next week.

"They (the internationals) are available to play this week and we’ll manage them accordingly,” confirmed Saints boss Phil Dowson.

Saints have never faced Black Lion before, with the Georgian team heading to Northampton for a historic fixture.

And it is one Dowson is certainly looking forward to.

“They (Black Lion) have played a lot of good rugby and they’ve got a lot of internationals in that group,” Dowson said.

"I know Richard Cockerill had a big role in that previously (former Leicester Tigers boss Cockerill served as head coach for Georgia and Black Lion until December 2025) so I know there’s some good quality in that group.

"They will pose a big challenge, particularly from a set-piece point of view and from a power and athleticism point of view as well.”