Saints handed derby date at Tigers in LV= Cup

Jim Mallinder’s men will travel to Welford Road in round three, which will take place on the final weekend of January.

Saints get a home start as they face Newcastle Falcons on the first weekend of November before travelling to Scarlets a week later.

Last season’s runners-up, who lost in the final to a spirited Exeter Chiefs side, will conclude their pool stage campaign at home to Wasps in the second week of February.

Though they do not play any of them, Saints will need to better the results of fellow Pool 2 teams Sale Sharks, London Irish and Cardiff Blues to make the semi-finals.

Final-four ties take place in mid-March, with the final, at a yet to be decided venue, being contested the following weekend.

Saints’ fixtures

Oct 31/Nov 1/2: Newcastle (h)

Nov 7/8/9: Scarlets (a)

Jan 30/31/Feb 1: Leicester (a)

Feb 6/7/8: Wasps (h)