Northampton Saints rugby director Jim Mallinder is wary of the 'massive challenge' ahead as they kick-start the 2017/18 season of Aviva Premiership with a clash against Saracens at Twickenham on Saturday.
England international Tom Wood has been handed a six-week ban by the Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel following his red card incident during the European Champions Cup play-off final against Stade Francais last week.
Northampton Saints made an incredible comeback after being 6-22 behind while also overcoming a red card to Tom Wood to win the European Champions Cup play-off final against Stade Francais at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.
Northampton Saints have managed to keep their hopes alive of a possible European Champions Cup berth next year after they defeated Connacht 21-15 in the qualification play-off at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.
Harlequins have managed to secure a European Champions Cup spot despite losing the final round of the Aviva Premiership game to Northampton Saints by 22-20 at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.
Exeter Chiefs created a Premiership Rugby record by registering their seventh consecutive bonus point victory as they trounced Northampton Saints by 36-12 at Sandy Park on Saturday.
Last Thursday’s announcement of Eddie Jones’ 31-man England squad to tour Argentina in June was met by the wider rugby community with a considerable number of raised eyebrows.
Saracens overcame a scare from Northampton Saints as they won their Aviva Premiership encounter at Franklin's Garden by 25-27 to boost their chances of securing a home semi-final.