Northampton Saints

Northampton opened their European Champions Cup campaign with a nervy 15-11 win over Scarlets at Franklin's Gardens.

An immaculate defensive display from champions Saracens saw them defeat title rivals Northampton 12-6.

Northampton have completed a major coup by signing France number eight Louis Picamoles on a three-year contract.

Three more clubs have gone public to reveal they were not investigated for potential breaches of the Aviva Premiership salary cap.

At no position were England exploited more during this Rugby World Cup than at hooker.

Northampton secured their first win of the season, taking all five points in a typically powerful 42-16 victory over Newcastle at stadium:mk.

Lee Dickson has been named Northampton Saints captain, replacing Dylan Hartley in another blow to the England hooker whose latest ban ended his World Cup hopes.

The penultimate qualifying round of the Singha 7s sees the competition move north from Gloucester to Coventry, as the Ricoh Arena welcomes Harlequins, Northampton Saints, Saracens and hometown team Wasps.

It may often get overlooked in comparison to the Aviva Premiership, but the Greene King IPA Championship has just enjoyed one of its best seasons to date, with the level of performance in the league as high as it has ever been.

Given the promising position the club was in domestically and in Europe at the turn of the year, it’s fair to say Northampton Saints fans will be disappointed with how their 2014/15 campaign ended.

George North insists he will be "at no greater risk" of concussion than any other player after his enforced lay-off as he pinpoints a World Cup return.

George North has declared himself "fit and well" for Wales' Rugby World Cup campaign.

Samu Manoa has joined the Barbarians squad to face England at Twickenham on Sunday.

Aviva Premiership club Northampton have confirmed the departures of 10 players from their squad this summer.

Dylan Hartley's World Cup hopes are under severe threat after the England hooker was hit with a four-week ban for headbutting Saracens' Jamie George.

England and Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley will face a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing on Wednesday after being cited for foul play.

Saracens emerged triumphant from a heavyweight showdown at Franklin's Gardens to advance into next Saturday's Aviva Premiership final with a 29-24 victory over Northampton.

Northampton and Saracens will renew their fierce rivalry on Saturday with Saints' England flanker Tom Wood predicting another titanic encounter in the quest for "bragging rights."

Wales and Northampton star George North says his recovery from concussion is "looking positive" and has played down Warren Gatland's worries ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Wales coach Warren Gatland fears star wing George North's career could be ended if he suffers further concussions.