Northampton need one try at Harlequins to set all-time Premiership record

Northampton Saints need just one more try at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday to become the first team in Premiership Rugby history to score 100 tries in a single regular season.

The league leaders arrive at Harlequins having already secured a home semi-final, and head coach Phil Dowson has rested several frontline players for the trip. Saints currently sit on 99 tries — matching the record they themselves set during the 24-game 2021/22 regular season, but with seven fewer games played this time around.

Fraser Dingwall captains the side in south-west London and partners Tom Litchfield in midfield. Jonny Weimann and Anthony Belleau start at half-back, both returning to action for the first time since April. James Ramm provides experience in an otherwise youthful back three, which includes a second senior start for James Pater at full-back and James Martin on the wing.

Curtis Langdon returns from the hand injury that has sidelined him since April to start at hooker, packing down alongside loosehead Danilo Fischetti and tighthead Cleopas Kundiona. Tom Lockett and JJ Van Der Mescht form the second row, with Josh Kemeny, Tom Pearson and Sam Graham completing an all-action back row. Sonny Tonga’uiha is in line to make his Premiership debut should he come off the bench.

Elsewhere in the final round, defending champions Bath have scored 94 tries this season ahead of hosting Leicester and need three more to break their own club record for a second consecutive year — this despite a dip in attacking output following the departure of attack coach Lee Blackett to the England setup. Saracens, who travel to Exeter in a play-off shootout, have also crossed for 90 tries this season, making them the 11th side in competition history to reach that mark.

Northampton’s record-chasing campaign has been built on a consistency of attack that has set them apart from every other club in the division. With a home semi-final already banked, Saturday’s match carries little pressure in terms of standings — but the chance to etch their name into the record books gives Saints every reason to keep running.