PREM champions Northampton add historic fixture to their schedule

For the first time in the club’s long history, Northampton Saints will play a Georgian team after a match against Black Lion was added to their 2026/27 itinerary.

After opening their PREM Rugby Cup campaign with two away fixtures, the men in Black, Green and Gold will return to Franklin’s Gardens on Friday 18 September to take on the Georgian EPCR Challenge Cup participants (kick-off: 7.30pm).

The fixture will also provide Saints with a final opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of the defence of their Gallagher PREM title the following weekend, against Newcastle Red Bulls, on Friday 25 September, with many of their star names set to feature against Black Lion.

“Our England internationals will be rested during the opening two rounds of the PREM Rugby Cup, so this fixture will be their first chance to get meaningful game time ahead of the new season,” said Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.

“You can train as hard as you like throughout pre-season, but nothing truly replicates the physical and mental demands of a match.

“It will be an important step in our preparation for the Gallagher PREM campaign.

“It gives us the chance to strengthen combinations across the squad, integrate new players into our systems, and continue developing the understanding and cohesion we’ll need heading into our opener against Newcastle.”

The match against Black Lion will be Saints’ second pre-season fixture ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, following their trip to Sri Lanka to take on Asia Pacific Lions next month.

“We’re excited to be welcoming Black Lion to Franklin’s Gardens in September,” said Saints’ Chief Executive, Julia Chapman.

“With the squad travelling to Sri Lanka as part of our pre-season preparations, and the ongoing redevelopment of our Supporter Village, opportunities for us to play at home have been limited this summer.

“We’re therefore very pleased to be able to offer our supporters a chance to see the team in action in Northampton ahead of the new league campaign.

“This fixture against Black Lion promises to be a competitive and entertaining contest ahead of the resumption of the Gallagher PREM the following weekend.”

Vasil Abashidze, Chief Executive of Georgia Rugby and Black Lion, added: “Established in 2021, Black Lion was created to accelerate the development of Georgian rugby by providing our best players with regular opportunities to compete at the highest level.

“Alongside the regular tournaments in which Black Lion participates, fixtures against world-class clubs such as Northampton Saints are an essential part of that vision.

“They challenge our players, strengthen our programme, and demonstrate the ambition of Georgian rugby to compete with Europe’s finest.

“We are delighted to face Northampton Saints on 18 September at the iconic Franklin’s Gardens, and we are confident this will be a memorable occasion for both clubs and rugby supporters alike.”