Northampton Saints and Newcastle Red Bulls set for Premiership opener

Northampton Saints and Newcastle Red Bulls have announced their squads for the Gallagher Premiership season opener at Franklin’s Gardens. The match features the defending champions, Northampton Saints, facing a significantly restructured Newcastle Red Bulls side.

Northampton Saints will see back-rower Henry Pollock make his 50th appearance for the club. The Saints lineup includes several England internationals, with a midfield pairing of Rory Hutchinson and new captain Fraser Dingwall.

Newcastle Red Bulls, led by head coach Dan McFarland, have integrated 12 summer signings into their 23-man squad. The Red Bulls squad features several players returning to former clubs, including Sam Graham and Elliot Millar Mills. Notable new additions include Māori All Black Pouri Rakete-Stones, who will make his Premiership debut, and former All Black Hoskins Sotutu, who is named among the replacements.