Rory Hutchinson to join Northampton's '200 Club' vs Gloucester

Rory Hutchinson will become Northampton Saints’ 82nd player to reach a double century of appearances for the club, as the centre brings up the milestone against Gloucester this weekend.

Since making his debut in Black, Green and Gold back in 2015, Hutchinson has been a key figure in Saints’ midfield and is now the longest-serving member of the current squad.

Northampton ran out 35-37 victors when the sides met at Kingsholm earlier this season, and know that a season double over the Cherry and Whites will secure them home advantage in the play-offs.

George Furbank captains Saints from full-back in an unchanged back three, that sees George Hendy and Tommy Freeman line up on the wings against Gloucester – with the latter sitting second in the league for tries scored (15) and first for initial breaks (32).

Double centurion Hutchinson partners Tom Litchfield in the centres once again this weekend, while Saints also remain unchanged in the half-backs. Fin Smith – who scored a season-high 24 points in Northampton’s record-breaking 94-33 win over Bristol Bears last time out – stays on at fly-half, while in-form Archie McParland retains his spot at scrum-half in the absence of Alex Mitchell.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Northampton

36 - 32

Full-time

Gloucester

All Stats and Data

Luke Green marks the only change in Saints’ front row, as he comes in to start at tight-head prop – with Emmanuel Iyogun and Robbie Smith staying on at loose-head prop and hooker respectively.

Alex Coles and Ed Prowse reprise their partnership at lock against Gloucester, while Tom Pearson comes into the back row to join Henry Pollock and Callum Chick there and complete the pack.

Saints revert to a five-three bench for Gloucester’s visit, with the likes of Craig Wright, Danilo Fischetti and Tom Lockett providing cover in the forwards, while Jonny Weimann and Fraser Dingwall offer backs options, while James Ramm is primed for his return from injury against Gloucester.

Northampton team:

15 George Furbank (c)
14 Tommy Freeman
13 Tom Litchfield
12 Rory Hutchinson
11 George Hendy
10 Fin Smith
9 Archie McParland
1 Emmanuel Iyogun
2 Robbie Smith
3 Luke Green
4 Alex Coles
5 Ed Prowse
6 Tom Pearson
7 Henry Pollock
8 Callum Chick

Replacements:
16 Craig Wright
17 Danilo Fischetti
18 Elliot Millar Mills
19 Tom Lockett
20 Sam Graham
21 Jonny Weimann
22 Fraser Dingwall
23 James Ramm