Northampton Saints

Northampton versus Leicester and Saracens versus Harlequins – on paper they are two feisty matches in practice they were even better as over the course of 48 hours we witnessed the type of rugby that makes you proud to be a supporter.

England hooker Dylan Hartley remains locked in a fitness battle to play any part in Northampton's twin final fortnight.

Northampton defied Salesi Ma'afu's red card and the weight of history to bludgeon into the Aviva Premiership final with a 21-20 victory over Leicester in a bad-tempered battle at Franklin's Gardens.

Fit-again Alex Corbisiero can have a "massive influence" on the closing stages of Northampton's Aviva Premiership derby semi-final against Leicester on Friday, according to Jim Mallinder.

After 22 rounds of electric action it is time for the semi-final knockouts... these two fixtures do not need a lengthy introduction as the word knockout says it all. It is sink or swim time for four giants of the Aviva Premiership and as spectators we are in for an almighty treat…

Leicester Tigers will play great rivals Northampton Saints away in the Aviva Premiership semi-finals next weekend after clinching third place with a bonus point victory over leaders Saracens at Welford Road.

Two moments of inspiration from Kahn Fotuali'i saw Northampton to an 18-10 win over Harlequins that kept dreams of an Amlin Cup and Premiership double alive.

Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder has admitted that his players will need to be better when they reach the Aviva Premiership play-offs after witnessing his side “switch off” and nearly through away victory in their 36-21 win over London Irish.

Northampton pulled seven points clear of third-placed Bath in the Aviva Premiership table after securing an edgy 36-21 win over London Irish at Franklin's Gardens.

Northampton Saints flanker Tom Wood says it would be 'criminal' if his side were to tail off now and lose their spot in the top two of the Aviva Premiership table.

Saracens are all but guaranteed of a home Aviva Premiership semi-final after seeing off a late Northampton comeback to win 28-24 at Allianz Park.

Ben Nutley touched down twice as Northampton eased into the semi-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup following a dominant 28-14 triumph over Sale Sharks.

Dylan Hartley will face no disciplinary action following a claim from Leicester hooker Tom Youngs that he was bitten by an opponent in Saturday's 22-16 Aviva Premiership victory over Northampton.

Leicester made it eight Aviva Premiership games unbeaten as they consolidated their place in the title play-offs with a 22-16 win over Northampton at Franklin's Gardens.

This weekend the Exeter Chiefs sealed the first major piece of silverware in the club’s history as they clinched the LV= Cup title 15-8 at their home ground of Sandy Park against Northampton.

This weekend the Exeter Chiefs sealed the first major piece of silverware in the club’s history as they clinched the LV= Cup title 15-8 at their home ground of Sandy Park against Northampton.

Scrum dominance sparked Northampton to a 39-13 bonus-point victory over Gloucester to extend their club-record unbeaten Aviva Premiership run to 13 games.

Northampton Saints continued their winning run as full back James Wilson scored two first half tries against Newcastle Falcons in their Aviva Premiership clash at Kingston Park.

Captain Jonathan Thomas saw red as Worcester's winless run continued with a 30-14 defeat at Northampton, who reclaimed top spot in the Aviva Premiership table.

As the majority of the rugby world draws their focus towards the Six Nations and the highs and lows of the tournament – the Aviva Premiership is still in full flow, and it’s looking closer than ever…