Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints meet in the 250th East Midlands derby this Saturday in the third round of the Gallagher Premiership season.
The rivalry dates back to each club’s debut season in 1880 when they first met at Victoria Park, Leicester, in a game won 4-0 by the hosts.
Tigers lead 140-90 on overall win count, with 19 games drawn. On 118 previous visits to Northampton, they have 48 wins, with six draws and 64 defeats.
Head coach Steve Borthwick brings England duo Jack van Poortvliet and Freddie Steward into the starting line-up for the short trip south, with Freddie Burns returning in the No10 shirt after missing the Round 2 win over Newcastle Falcons.
Saints include internationals Lewis Ludlam, Courtney Lawes and Tommy Freeman plus Wales fly-half Dan Biggar who returns after illness last week as they defend a five-match winning run on home soil – the team’s best sequence at the Gardens since 2015.
Tigers hooker Charlie Clare, front-row replacement Francois van Wyk and Chris Ashton, who is also named on the bench, are among a select band of players to represent both clubs.
Tigers centre Guy Porter, who returned to the team in Round 2 after touring with England in the summer, said: “Week to week in this competition, you don’t have to look too far for motivation with quality opposition across the board and quality players you have to deal with. We’re really looking forward to it.”
Both teams notched a first win of the season in Round 2, with Tigers taking a bonus-point victory against Newcastle while Saints scored four tries in a 38-22 win over London Irish.
Tigers will be in the club’s change colours of red shirt and white shorts on Saturday.
Referee is Mr Karl Dickson, in charge for a 64th time in Premiership rugby.
There is live coverage with BT Sport, or follow the updates on Matchday Live on the Tigers website and app, with full report and reaction afterwards.
Round 3 in full:
Friday – Bath Rugby v Wasps (7.45pm)
Saturday – Bristol bears v London Irish (3.00pm), Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers (3.00pm), Saracens v Gloucester Rugby (3.00pm), Worcester Warriors v Newcastle Falcons (3.00pm)
Sunday – Exeter Chiefs v Harlequins (3.00pm)
