Northampton Saints
Saints v Quins - 03/01/26 - Teams Up
By Saint Ted
January 2 2026
Now I'm back from an extended Christmas break, this is the Saints v Quins match day thread
Where: Franklins Gardens
When: Saturday 3rd January 2026; 17:30
How do I watch: TNT1/Discovery +
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Match day info: Guide to the Gardens
Saints take: Saints O'ffy
Quins Take: Quins Offy
Officials:
Referee: Sara Cox MBE
Assistant referees: Dan Jones and Neil Chivers
No.4: Henry Pearson
TMO: Andrew Jackson
Teams:
| Northampton Saints | Harlequins | |
| George Hendy | 15 | Nick David |
| Edoardo Todaro | 14 | Rodrigo Isgró |
| Tommy Freeman | 13 | Luke Northmore |
| Fraser Dingwall (c) | 12 | Jarrod Evans |
| James Ramm | 11 | Cassius Cleaves |
| Fin Smith | 10 | Marcus Smith |
| Alex Mitchell | 9 | Lucas Friday |
| Danilo Fischetti | 1 | Will Hobson |
| Robbie Smith | 2 | George Turner |
| Elliot Millar Mills | 3 | Harry Williams |
| Alex Coles | 4 | Guido Petti Pagadizábal |
| JJ Van Der Mescht | 5 | Kieran Treadwell |
| Josh Kemeny | 6 | Chandler Cunningham-South |
| Tom Pearson | 7 | Jack Kenningham |
| Callum Chick | 8 | Alex Dombrandt (C) |
| Replacements: | ||
| Craig Wright | 16 | Sam Riley |
| Oliver Scola | 17 | Simon Kerrod |
| Cleopas Kundiona | 18 | Pedro Delgado |
| Ed Prowse | 19 | Elliot Williams |
| Sam Graham | 20 | Joe Launchbury |
| Archie McParland | 21 | Zach Carr |
| Anthony Belleau | 22 | Will Porter |
| Rory Hutchinson | 23 | Bryn Bradley |
Not considered for selection:
Emeka Atuanya, Will Glister, Curtis Langdon, Tom Litchfield, Tom Lockett, Ollie Sleightholme, Charlie Ulcoq, and Tom West.
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StumbleuponSaints v Quins - 03/01/26 - Teams Up
Discussion started by Marching On , 02/01/2026 11:49
Marching On
02/01/2026 11:49
02/01/2026 11:49
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:09:10:45:34 by Saint Ted.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:09:10:45:34 by Saint Ted.
No Furbank - can we read anything into that? Sleighthome not available.. again. Looks like a great tweak from last week and good to see Belleau on the bench.
No HP either. Perhaps just rested.
Glad that Fischetti is in the team, looked in pain when he hobbled off recently.
Let's not mention Banana skins; it would be so Saints.
Glad that Fischetti is in the team, looked in pain when he hobbled off recently.
Let's not mention Banana skins; it would be so Saints.
Please tell me Sleighthome is not injured again after his 7 minutes at Bath. I was hoping my physio friend was wrong about him being injury prone
Quote:FatAlan
Manny & Pollock rested.
This makes sense, a lot of miles from both thus season
I'm surprised that Freeman hasn't been rested. Isn't he very game limited because he played too many last season?
I suspect that Borthwick wants him to get more experience playing at centre but at what cost?
I suspect that Borthwick wants him to get more experience playing at centre but at what cost?
Finally, thanks to there being no England enforced absences we get to see the two Smith’s, Finn and Marcus, face each other on the pitch,
It would also be good to see Anthony Belleau get some good game time because based on the limited opportunities he’s had to date I think he could be the equal of Finn Smith. I do hope he signs on for at least one more season.
It would also be good to see Anthony Belleau get some good game time because based on the limited opportunities he’s had to date I think he could be the equal of Finn Smith. I do hope he signs on for at least one more season.
Quote:Saintly Pursuit
I'm surprised that Freeman hasn't been rested. Isn't he very game limited because he played too many last season?
I suspect that Borthwick wants him to get more experience playing at centre but at what cost?
Between Lions enforced rest and injury Freeman's only played in 7 matches (5 Saints, 2 England) so far this season.
Some things are guaranteed in life; death, taxes and Atuanya/Sleights being listed as unavailable. Respectfully the mind boggles about Emeka Atuanya, and one fears for Sleights who is potentially up at the end of the season contractually?
Weird one ref Furbs. Presumably they’re just keeping him out of media limelight as he doesn’t appear to need a rest, minutes wise? If he has signed for them, why would we not play a player commissioned by us if we wanted to play him? Injury risk is ours and theirs. If he hasn’t signed and is making a decision, then it probably makes sense to avoid him getting dragged into anything either way. If he’s re-signed for us, then would be good to have him play in front of a home crowd to show them what they missed! I suspect it’s that he has signed and therefore I don’t really understand resting him.
Bookies has us -18 pts pre-teams and I think that will come in by 6 or so. COYS!
Weird one ref Furbs. Presumably they’re just keeping him out of media limelight as he doesn’t appear to need a rest, minutes wise? If he has signed for them, why would we not play a player commissioned by us if we wanted to play him? Injury risk is ours and theirs. If he hasn’t signed and is making a decision, then it probably makes sense to avoid him getting dragged into anything either way. If he’s re-signed for us, then would be good to have him play in front of a home crowd to show them what they missed! I suspect it’s that he has signed and therefore I don’t really understand resting him.
Bookies has us -18 pts pre-teams and I think that will come in by 6 or so. COYS!
Quote:saintsfella
Weird one ref Furbs. Presumably they’re just keeping him out of media limelight as he doesn’t appear to need a rest, minutes wise? If he has signed for them, why would we not play a player commissioned by us if we wanted to play him? Injury risk is ours and theirs. If he hasn’t signed and is making a decision, then it probably makes sense to avoid him getting dragged into anything either way. If he’s re-signed for us, then would be good to have him play in front of a home crowd to show them what they missed! I suspect it’s that he has signed and therefore I don’t really understand resting him.
But if he has gone to Quins, does it make sense to be giving as many minutes to Hendy at 15 as we can? Furbank has shown in the past that he can hit the ground running after periods of injury/being away with England. Play him next week against Bordeaux, absolutely, but if he's leaving next season, let's invest in our replacement and play Furbank when the games are must win.
Can only assume that with no formal announcement on Furbs that it isn’t a done deal. Can’t see the point of delaying. Just hope things aren’t getting acrimonious. Plenty of of other transfer confirmations have been made.
But if he has gone to Quins, does it make sense to be giving as many minutes to Hendy at 15 as we can? Furbank has shown in the past that he can hit the ground running after periods of injury/being away with England. Play him next week against Bordeaux, absolutely, but if he's leaving next season, let's invest in our replacement and play Furbank when the games are must win.[/quote]
True Alan, albeit I would argue Hendy is in more need of a rest and I can’t see us ostracising Furbs from 15 all season, if he’s off, so what’s the point starting now.
I am desperate enough to be reading into things that probably aren’t there… Furbs can’t play Saturday as it’s his only availability to physically sign his new 5 year contract extension.
True Alan, albeit I would argue Hendy is in more need of a rest and I can’t see us ostracising Furbs from 15 all season, if he’s off, so what’s the point starting now.
I am desperate enough to be reading into things that probably aren’t there… Furbs can’t play Saturday as it’s his only availability to physically sign his new 5 year contract extension.
Interesting to see the Odds on Saints have been reduced since the team announcements. from 12/1 on to 21/1on with a handicap of 21 points
To add to the speculation re: Furbs (I know I shouldn't but couldn't resist), perhaps he wasn't chosen to avoid the risk of Quins announcing his signature, just before we play them. Similar to Sarries announcement that Tomos Williams had signed for them, two days before playing Gloucester.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:02:15:32:08 by JollyCobbler.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:02:15:32:08 by JollyCobbler.
Yea I think likely the above. Get the game out the way then wel see an announcement Monday or Tuesday. Hopefully not
If anyone knows of a Terrace ticket going for tomorrow then will gladly purchase. Cheers.
Quote:Saint James
If anyone knows of a Terrace ticket going for tomorrow then will gladly purchase. Cheers.
Your best bet would be on Saints Sinners ticket exchange on facebook.
Quins are missing a lot of players for this. Sensible rotation of Manny, Pollock, Trev. Hope Furbs being saved for Bordeaux too.
By not picking Furbank it’s made him more of a talking point than if he’d of just been starting at 15. It feeds into all the rumours, to not be in the 23 vs Quins is odd. All just feels drawn out now.
I think we’ll beat up quins pack & their heads will drop, 5 points in the bag. Bath vs Exeter is going to be a tasty match this Saturday too!
I think we’ll beat up quins pack & their heads will drop, 5 points in the bag. Bath vs Exeter is going to be a tasty match this Saturday too!
Quote:St.Sinner
I think we’ll beat up quins pack & their heads will drop, 5 points in the bag!
I’m sure most Bath supporters thought much the same last week down at The Rec
Quote:RDSQuote:St.Sinner
I think we’ll beat up quins pack & their heads will drop, 5 points in the bag!
I’m sure most Bath supporters thought much the same last week down at The Rec
Yep and I wouldn’t have blamed them, would you? Our win was an upset, they don’t happen like that very often, that’s why it was special.
Without underestimating Quins..We’re allowed to be confident of ourselves.
I remember the falcons visiting not so long ago
We were on a role
Expecting to take 5 easy points
Got beat
There are no easy games
Quins will be desperate to win
Let’s hope the team are not expecting it to be easy
We were on a role
Expecting to take 5 easy points
Got beat
There are no easy games
Quins will be desperate to win
Let’s hope the team are not expecting it to be easy
Quote:St MarcusQuote:Saint James
If anyone knows of a Terrace ticket going for tomorrow then will gladly purchase. Cheers.
Your best bet would be on Saints Sinners ticket exchange on facebook.
Quins are missing a lot of players for this. Sensible rotation of Manny, Pollock, Trev. Hope Furbs being saved for Bordeaux too.
I’m not on faceache but will give it a go. Ta
Prowse ahead of Munga selection.
Coles more likely to last 80 than JJ, so more of a like 4 like replacement?
Contractual reason next season?
Both played very well last weekend but thought Munga was slightly better!
Coles more likely to last 80 than JJ, so more of a like 4 like replacement?
Contractual reason next season?
Both played very well last weekend but thought Munga was slightly better!
If wanting to you Saints Sinners Ticket Exchange you might want to reference you are coming from here as wrong answers are being rejected to avoid scammers.
To Serve, To Strive and Not To Yield
To Serve, To Strive and Not To Yield
I have x2 tickets in Terrace D. Let me know if you are still looking for 1 (have also posted this on Saints Sinners Facebook group in case you see there as well)
Quote:dtwilliams23
I have x2 tickets in Terrace D. Let me know if you are still looking for 1 (have also posted this on Saints Sinners Facebook group in case you see there as well)
Ideal thanks. Have sent a pm.
Great result
On the injuries Sam Vesty said:
Dingwall is up and about and smiling
Hutch took a hit in rib at same spot as was site last week but taken off for precaution - should be ok
french Tony took a cut on lip - we need to see it
On the injuries Sam Vesty said:
Dingwall is up and about and smiling
Hutch took a hit in rib at same spot as was site last week but taken off for precaution - should be ok
french Tony took a cut on lip - we need to see it
Quote:Couldn’t agree with you more.Deesaint
What a time to be a saints supporter
Just wow
I’ve been watching Saints since 1968 and this is certainly the most exciting squad of players that I’ve ever seen. Especially pleasing is that so many have come through the academy.
Quote:I agree: This is really one of the most amazing teams I have ever seen.St SaltaireQuote:Couldn’t agree with you more.Deesaint
What a time to be a saints supporter
Just wow
I’ve been watching Saints since 1968 and this is certainly the most exciting squad of players that I’ve ever seen. Especially pleasing is that so many have come through the academy.
can they keep this up? (I think yes, but maybe not at this rate). Next week should be a hell of a game.
Didn’t see why Kemeny went off?
Brilliant performance from Graham off the bench and good to see him
back playing well after that horrendous injury at Welford Road.
Brilliant performance from Graham off the bench and good to see him
back playing well after that horrendous injury at Welford Road.
Josh was HIA which he failed so will be out next week. Another game when we ended with only 14
Thanks Chris & Rutland.
Could still be available next week if he passes subsequent HIA2 & 3 tests.
Could still be available next week if he passes subsequent HIA2 & 3 tests.
Great performance across the board. Didn't think needed to go full chaosball at times, especially with UBB next week, but was so fun to watch. Hope we aren't missing too many.
How todaro scores that try i'll never know, had no right. Our academy must be in the best place its ever been.
How todaro scores that try i'll never know, had no right. Our academy must be in the best place its ever been.
It’s an absolute privilege to watch the Saints at the moment, the attacking intent is just ridiculous.
We’ve had good sides and amazing players in the past but this side is just playing rugby at such a high level.
Can you imagine how an Ashton and Foden in their pomp would have loved to be part of this, and our off-load expert Picamoles?
We’ve had good sides and amazing players in the past but this side is just playing rugby at such a high level.
Can you imagine how an Ashton and Foden in their pomp would have loved to be part of this, and our off-load expert Picamoles?
Quote:And all this from a team which can't/won't pay up to the salary cap limit. Such an impressive organisation from top to bottom and back again.Saint.Kenneth
It’s an absolute privilege to watch the Saints at the moment, the attacking intent is just ridiculous.
We’ve had good sides and amazing players in the past but this side is just playing rugby at such a high level.
Can you imagine how an Ashton and Foden in their pomp would have loved to be part of this, and our off-load expert Picamoles?
It is indeed St Kenneth. Royally entertained and with a winning mentality.
The squad is so much deeper. Some great signings, not sure how we identify such hidden gems as French Tony, JJ and persuading Calum Chick to join us as well. Brilliant.
We moved quickly to get Munga, Pearson and Fin when Worcester and Irish were imploding. Very shart.
The squad is so much deeper. Some great signings, not sure how we identify such hidden gems as French Tony, JJ and persuading Calum Chick to join us as well. Brilliant.
We moved quickly to get Munga, Pearson and Fin when Worcester and Irish were imploding. Very shart.
Quote:Chris Hoddle
Another game when we ended with only 14
Through choice though
Chick has been a brilliant signing yet still has to earn his place.
I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Chick has won more games this year that he has done in an entire season previously in his career.
I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Chick has won more games this year that he has done in an entire season previously in his career.
What a treat. Watching from Barwell Stand one can really see how we create and exploit space. That first 30 was attacking poetry in motion. Love to see French Tony and Alex pair up. The team is so well coached and just happy to play rugby even when we should have been banging it into the corners and making Quins chase the game! Long may it last
I’ve just rewatched the game and I have to say that Alex Coles is amazing! The match highlights show him in shot for almost every try, doing all his usual day job and then chasing in support of the man with the ball. He’s a second row FFS, how does he keep it up. Look at the last try, he’s on the far right involved in the last attack phase, all the other players involved remain there. Coles gallops across the face of the posts and is on hand to take the final pass. Look at the Mitchell break in the first half, he finds a gap (after a couple of exploratory turns around the field) sprints clear and finds Freemo for the score. Who was offeringing himself as an option to his right? Yup, bloody Coles, a man with no normal person’s right to be there! How does he do it?
Quote:Sir Hector
I’ve just rewatched the game and I have to say that Alex Coles is amazing! The match highlights show him in shot for almost every try, doing all his usual day job and then chasing in support of the man with the ball. He’s a second row FFS, how does he keep it up. Look at the last try, he’s on the far right involved in the last attack phase, all the other players involved remain there. Coles gallops across the face of the posts and is on hand to take the final pass. Look at the Mitchell break in the first half, he finds a gap (after a couple of exploratory turns around the field) sprints clear and finds Freemo for the score. Who was offeringing himself as an option to his right? Yup, bloody Coles, a man with no normal person’s right to be there! How does he do it?
I think Courtney's successor has emerged?
Courtney wasn’t really a try scorer, more a big hits defensive man. Having said that, in spirit I agree. AC typifies the Saints sort of player and I hope he sticks with us. It’s a shame the England playbook doesn’t suit him as much as Saint or he’d be a nailed on starter. He’s a man for action more than the slightly more circumspect international play style but at least he’s in the mix.
Not sure if this helps or hinders those who want to read into things rather than wait for a formal announcement but Furbs was sat in the stands watching with some family/friends.
Furbs was said to have a slight niggle mis week and so didn't play as a precaution
Quote:LeicesterSaint
Not sure if this helps or hinders those who want to read into things rather than wait for a formal announcement but Furbs was sat in the stands watching with some family/friends.
Which shirt did he have on and which song was he singing?
Hopefully Furbs will be back at fullback for the next match (having signed a new contract with us) and Hendy can move back to the wing to let Todaro run loose in the centres! For a small guy, he doesn’t half punch his weight but having said that, I don’t think he’s played at centre for us yet, so maybe this isn’t the game to experiment.
Quote:Buzzer
Hopefully Furbs will be back at fullback for the next match (having signed a new contract with us) and Hendy can move back to the wing to let Todaro run loose in the centres! For a small guy, he doesn’t half punch his weight but having said that, I don’t think he’s played at centre for us yet, so maybe this isn’t the game to experiment.
I think Todaro is probably just too small at the moment to play in the centres, He's got to be giving up at least 5kg to both Hutch and Dingers, both of whom are on the smaller side
Good point, although he’s clearly got muscle from his fantastic run for the try. Yes, they’ll probably go with Freeman and Hutch in the centres, if they fit. I’ve kind of lost track of who is available and who isn’t!
Thame would be next. Tom Litchfield is still injured, or at least he was last week.
Belleau likely to be on the bench.
Belleau likely to be on the bench.
Todaro has the confidence of youth, I think you need a little more than that playing in the centres at the highest level. Having said that half our squad are afflicted with it and it doesn’t seem to be too much of an issue!
Quote:SmooothsidesQuote:Buzzer
Hopefully Furbs will be back at fullback for the next match (having signed a new contract with us) and Hendy can move back to the wing to let Todaro run loose in the centres! For a small guy, he doesn’t half punch his weight but having said that, I don’t think he’s played at centre for us yet, so maybe this isn’t the game to experiment.
I think Todaro is probably just too small at the moment to play in the centres, He's got to be giving up at least 5kg to both Hutch and Dingers, both of whom are on the smaller side
I'd be surprised if that's true. Saints don't publish size stats for academy players but on allrugby he's listed as 1.8 m and 88kg. Dingwall is listed as 86 kg and Hutch as 95
Quote:In the old measure, Todaro is 5'10" and 200 lbs. That's solid.SantiagoQuote:SmooothsidesQuote:Buzzer
Hopefully Furbs will be back at fullback for the next match (having signed a new contract with us) and Hendy can move back to the wing to let Todaro run loose in the centres! For a small guy, he doesn’t half punch his weight but having said that, I don’t think he’s played at centre for us yet, so maybe this isn’t the game to experiment.
I think Todaro is probably just too small at the moment to play in the centres, He's got to be giving up at least 5kg to both Hutch and Dingers, both of whom are on the smaller side
I'd be surprised if that's true. Saints don't publish size stats for academy players but on allrugby he's listed as 1.8 m and 88kg. Dingwall is listed as 86 kg and Hutch as 95
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