Tommy Freeman hits 100 as Saints face Tigers in derby

Tommy Freeman will make his 100th appearance for Northampton Saints when they host Leicester Tigers in the East Midlands Derby at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday.

The 24-year-old winger, who debuted against Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2019, has since become a regular for both England and the British & Irish Lions. This will also mark his seventh East Midlands Derby outing in Black, Green and Gold.

Saints head coach Phil Dowson has made seven changes for the Gallagher Premiership Round 3 clash. Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith, both returning from Lions duty, reunite as the starting half-back pairing, while Fraser Dingwall joins Rory Hutchinson in the centres after Hutchinson’s standout performance against Gloucester.

Freeman starts on the right wing, joined by Edoardo Todaro and George Hendy in the back three. Up front, Robbie Smith makes his first start in nearly a year at hooker, while Trevor Davison returns at tighthead. Alex Coles moves into the back row alongside Tom Pearson, with Callum Chick captaining the side from No.8.

On the bench, Henry Pollock makes his first appearance since the Lions tour, while Josh Kemeny returns from injury. Danilo Fischetti, Anthony Belleau and Tom Litchfield are also among the replacements.

Northampton XV: 15 George Hendy, 14 Tommy Freeman – 100th Saints appearance, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Edoardo Todaro, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 1 Emmanuel Iyogun, 2 Robbie Smith, 3 Trevor Davison, 4 Tom Lockett, 5 JJ Van Der Mescht, 6 Alex Coles, 7 Tom Pearson, 8 Callum Chick (c)

Reserves: 16 Craig Wright, 17 Danilo Fischetti, 18 Luke Green, 19 Josh Kemeny, 20 Henry Pollock, 21 Archie McParland, 22 Anthony Belleau, 23 Tom Litchfield