Follow live coverage as Saracens host Northampton Saints in the first of the Gallagher Premiership semi-final play-offs today.
It’s crunch time at the end of a season that has been largely overshadowed by dismal financial projections, with both Worcester and Wasps going into administration and London Irsh also contending with business concerns.
Saracens finished top of the table with 74 points and having lost just five matches, while Northampton finished fourth, with four wins fewer than their opponents. While there are ongoing debates about the future of Rugby, the focus shifts to the conclusion of the season, with Saracens playing in their 14th Premiership semi-final, and hoping to go one better than their defeat to Leicester last season.
We will bring you all the action and updates from today’s game in the live blog below:
Saracens vs Northampton Saints LIVE
Saracens vs Northampton Saints
12:40 , Sonia Twigg
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Premiership Rugby play-off semi-final between Saracens and Northampton Saints. The season has been largely overshadowed by finances, with Wasps and Worcester going into administration.
Saracens go into the game boasting an incredible home form, and are unbeaten at the StoneX Stadium since January 2022. They have also bolstered their line-up, having recalled six England internationals including Owen Farrell for the semi-final. Saracens have won the competition five times and will be searching to add to their impressive trophy cabinet with a first title since 2018-19.
Northampton Saints will have to undo history, only six times in league history has a semi-final been won by the away team, but it is set up to be an entertaining contest and who will gain a first-leg advantage?
We’ll have all the build up, team news and updates throughout the afternoon so stick with us.