Northampton start title defence with 59-26 win over Newcastle

Northampton Saints opened their title defence with a 59-26 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls at Franklin's Gardens on 2026-09-25. James Pater and Tommy Freeman each scored hat-tricks in the win.

In June, Northampton won a second Prem title in three years against Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Stadium. Saints were dominant against a much-changed Red Bulls side who have welcomed 25 new players through the door this summer. The result was Northampton's first competitive outing since that championship success.

James Pater and Tommy Freeman scored three tries apiece, with George Hendy, Alex Coles and Ollie Sleightholme also touching down for Northampton. F Smith kicked five conversions and Belleau added two. The Saints finished the match having run in nine tries.

For Newcastle, Wade scored twice while Jordan and Kok also crossed, and Connon and Henry added the conversions. The Red Bulls managed four tries in total despite the heavy defeat.

Northampton's starting XV was Pater, Freeman, Hutchinson, Dingwall, Hendy, F Smith, McParland, Iyogun, Langdon, Kundiona, Coles, Prowse, Kemeny, Pollock, Chick. Their replacements were R Smith, Fischetti, Neculai, Lockett, Taylor, Mitchell, Belleau, Sleightholme.

Newcastle named Obatoyinbo, Wade, Hearle, Harris, Kok, Connon, Elliott, Rakete-Stones, McGuigan, Millar Mills, Usher, Jordan, Hicks, Christie, Graham as starters. Replacements were Fletcher, West, Harper, Molina, Leatherbarrow, Cruz, Henry, Sotutu; Obatoyinbo was sin-binned in the 14th minute and Rakete-Stones in the 43rd minute.

Newcastle still scored four tries and came away with a losing bonus point as they hope that, for the first time in five seasons, they may not be destined for bottom place in the Prem.