Northampton Saints open title defence with nine-try 59-26 rout of Newcastle Red Bulls
Reigning Gallagher PREM champions Northampton Saints launched their title defence with a nine-try 59-26 win over Newcastle Red Bulls at Franklin's Gardens, with Tommy Freeman and James Pater both scoring hat-tricks.
Northampton Saints made the perfect start to their Gallagher PREM title defence on Friday night, running in nine tries in a 59-26 demolition of Newcastle Red Bulls at Franklin’s Gardens.
The reigning champions were 31-14 up at the break and never looked back, with England winger Tommy Freeman and 19-year-old full-back James Pater both crossing three times. Pater scored two tries inside the opening 15 minutes and completed his hat-trick at the death. The match finished with seven conversions from Saints against three for the visitors.
Newcastle’s new-look side, with 25 summer signings in their squad, had their moments. Christian Wade scored twice for the visitors and Werner Kok crossed with the final play, but two yellow cards stalled their fightback. The visitors claimed a try-scoring bonus point in defeat, while Saints banked five points for their nine-try haul.
Sources
- Sportradar match data: https://sportradar.com/?q=1025058738665233113
- TNT Sports, Gallagher PREM fixtures 2026/27 (reigning champions, opening date, Newcastle’s 25 new signings): https://www.tntsports.co.uk/rugby/prem/2026-2027/fixtures-released-northampton-saints-newcastle-red-bulls_sto23323230/story.shtml
- The Times, James Pater shines as Northampton make clinical start to title defence: https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-union/article/northampton-saints-newcastle-red-bulls-match-report-gallagher-prem-xhzqsb7hk
- Newcastle Red Bulls official match report: https://www.newcastleredbulls.com/en/articles/northampton-saints-match-report-sep-2026
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