North retired from international rugby in 2024 with 121 caps and 47 tries for Wales. He helped Wales win four Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams.

He toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, playing three Tests and scoring two tries. North began his career with Scarlets before joining Northampton Saints in 2013.

Key achievements:

• 121 caps and 47 tries for Wales
• Four Six Nations titles won
• Two Grand Slams achieved
• Toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017

North won the Premiership with Northampton Saints. He spent five years at Ospreys before moving to French side Provence.

In a statement, North said, “For me, it’s the right time.” He expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career, stating, “I can’t thank my family, my friends and you guys enough for the support you have shown me over the years. Honestly, it’s meant the world to me.”

This announcement concludes a remarkable journey that began when he burst onto the scene in 2010 at the age of 18. He scored two tries on his competitive debut against Benetton.

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Courtney Lawes is set to return to the Premiership at the end of the season after spending two years with Brive. The 37-year-old former England international retired from international rugby following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he represented his country for the fourth time.

Lawes joined Brive after a successful tenure with Northampton Saints, where he won two Premiership titles and two Challenge Cup trophies. During his 17 years with the Saints, he became a key player, earning 105 caps for England and securing three Six Nations titles.

Reflecting on his time in France, Lawes stated, “I’m having an experience in Brive that I’ll never forget, both on and off the pitch.” His commitment and talent have been praised by both fans and management alike.

Thierry Blandinières, a representative from Brive, expressed pride in Lawes’ contributions, saying, “We are very proud to say that Courtney Lawes will have been a Brive player for two seasons.” However, the club also acknowledged his desire for a new challenge back in England.

Leicester Tigers are reportedly interested in signing Lawes as he prepares to return to the Premiership. RFU rules state that only players based in England are eligible for selection for the next World Cup, adding urgency to Lawes’ decision.

Lawes joined Brive in 2024 after leaving Northampton Saints, and during his time there, he has made a significant impact. He has expressed his intention to give his all until the end of the season, stating, “I’m going to give it my all until the end of the season to finish this adventure with CAB in the best possible way.”

As he prepares for his return, observers are keen to see where Lawes will land next, with Leicester Tigers being a strong contender. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specifics of his next move.

Lawes’ career has been marked by notable achievements, including finishing as a runner-up in the 2019 Rugby World Cup and securing third place in 2023. His return to the Premiership is anticipated to be a significant moment for both him and the league.

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As Bath Rugby approaches a pivotal quarter-final match against Northampton Saints in the Investec Champions Cup, the team is looking to bounce back from a recent heavy defeat to Saracens. This loss, which occurred just two weeks prior to the upcoming match, has raised concerns about the team’s current form and readiness for the knockout stage of the prestigious tournament.

On April 10, 2026, Bath Rugby will host Northampton Saints at the Recreation Ground in Bath. The match is set to kick off at 8 PM, and tickets for this highly anticipated encounter will be sold directly through Bath Rugby’s online ticket shop. Fans are reminded that all tickets will be Print@Home e-tickets, with sales beginning at 10 AM on April 10.

In preparation for the quarter-finals, Bath Rugby has been focusing on improving their performance after the disappointing outing against Saracens. Rhys Carre, a player for Saracens, acknowledged the team’s struggles in their last match, stating, “We weren’t at our best last time we played there, far from it. But we showed a lot of improvement last week against Northampton which we have continued to build on this week.” This sentiment reflects the urgency for Bath Rugby to refine their strategy and regain their competitive edge.

Adding to the dynamics of the team, Sam Harris, who made 14 senior appearances for Bath Rugby, has recently signed a two-year deal with Exeter Chiefs starting from the 2026/27 season. Harris expressed his excitement about the move, saying, “I’m really excited to be joining Exeter Chiefs. It’s a club with a strong identity, an amazing fan base and a record of competing at the highest level.” His departure marks a significant transition for Bath Rugby as they look to fill the gap left by his exit.

In the lead-up to the quarter-finals, Northampton Saints have demonstrated strong form, having scored 49 points against Castres Olympique in their last match, while Castres managed to score 41 points against them in a previous encounter. This performance sets a challenging stage for Bath Rugby, who will need to step up their game to compete effectively.

As the match date approaches, Bath Rugby fans are hopeful that the team can leverage their home advantage and previous experience in the Investec Champions Cup to secure a victory. The historical significance of this competition for Bath Rugby adds to the pressure and excitement surrounding the match.

With the quarter-finals just around the corner, the stakes are high for both teams. Bath Rugby’s ability to adapt and improve in the coming days will be crucial in determining their success against a formidable opponent like Northampton Saints. The outcome of this match will not only impact the team’s progression in the tournament but also shape the future dynamics of the squad as they navigate player transitions and strive for excellence in rugby.

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Northampton Saints are known for their attacking pedigree in rugby. In a recent match against Castres Olympique, they showcased this strength, winning 49-41 in the Investec Champions Cup. This victory marks their progression to the quarter-finals for the third consecutive year.

The match, held at cinch Stadium, Franklin’s Gardens, was a high-octane affair featuring a total of 13 tries. Northampton scored seven tries, while Castres managed five, demonstrating the offensive capabilities of both teams. Notably, Castres led 15-14 at halftime, indicating a competitive first half.

Key players contributed significantly to the outcome, with George Furbank making crucial plays for Northampton. The Saints’ tries were scored by Danilo Fischetti, Josh Kemeny, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Archie McParland, and Fraser Dingwall. On the other hand, Anthony Belleau was instrumental for Castres, kicking 12 points throughout the match.

Despite the loss, Castres displayed resilience, receiving three yellow cards during the game. This aspect, combined with their aggressive play, made for a thrilling spectacle that was described as a great advert for knockout rugby.

Fraser Dingwall remarked on the significance of the victory, stating, “It’s easy to forget how special that is when you do it a few times in a row.” This sentiment reflects the achievement of consistently reaching the latter stages of the tournament.

Observers noted that the match was a wonderful contest, treating viewers to 13 scores and proving that knockout rugby does not always have to be a cagey affair. One commentator emphasized, “What a spectacle. Northampton progress to the quarter-final of European club rugby’s biggest stage as they weathered a dangerous Castres side to run out seven-try winners.”

Looking ahead, Northampton will face either Bath or Saracens in the quarter-finals, as they continue their pursuit of European glory. The anticipation for this next matchup is already building among fans and analysts alike.

As the tournament progresses, the performance of both teams will be closely monitored, with Castres likely to regroup and come back stronger in future competitions. The excitement surrounding the Champions Cup remains palpable as teams vie for supremacy on the European stage.

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“I’m delighted to make my 50th appearance in such an iconic game for the club,” said Alysha Corrigan, reflecting on her milestone achievement during a match that marked the Saracens Women’s first appearance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The match, held on March 28, 2026, saw Saracens Women face off against Northampton Saints in a significant encounter in the Gallagher PREM, Round 12. The stakes were high as Northampton Saints, currently leading the Gallagher PREM table, aimed to maintain their position after a previous victory against Saracens, where they won 43-31.

In the lead-up to the match, Saracens Women were looking to bounce back from a tough loss against Gloucester-Hartpury. Corrigan’s return to the field was a bright spot for the team, especially as she expressed the importance of the occasion, stating, “It’s going to be a huge occasion against a side that will test us to our limits this weekend, so we’ll need to be at our best to get a result that befits the occasion.”

As the match progressed, Northampton Saints demonstrated their strength, with Archie McParland scoring a late try. However, the game was not without its challenges for Saracens, as Fin Smith suffered an injury during the match.

Maro Itoje, the captain of Saracens, led his team in a competitive atmosphere, but the pressure was palpable as they faced a formidable opponent. Phil Dowson, the coach of Northampton Saints, noted, “We played beautifully in the first 20 minutes, we just didn’t convert enough of those chances,” highlighting the need for efficiency in crucial moments.

As the match approached its conclusion, Northampton Saints were poised to solidify their lead at the top of the table, being six points clear after the match. Meanwhile, Chunya Munga was set to make his 50th appearance for Northampton Saints, adding another layer of significance to the event.

With 18 players listed in the Saracens team, the atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric, marking a new chapter for Saracens Women as they embraced the challenges ahead.

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In a recent clash at Sandy Park, the Exeter Chiefs faced off against the Northampton Saints, culminating in a decisive victory for the Chiefs with a score of 31-14.

The match began with Exeter Chiefs dominating possession, showcasing their strength and strategy on the field. The first half saw Exeter score four tries, while Northampton’s only scoring action came from a try by Tom Litchfield, which was converted by Anthony Belleau. At halftime, Northampton trailed by 10 points.

Second Half Developments

As the second half unfolded, Exeter continued to assert their dominance, scoring three additional tries. Notably, Josh Hodge contributed significantly to the scoreline, netting two tries during the match. Northampton managed to score a late consolation try through Charlie Ulcoq, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

This match marked a pivotal moment for the Exeter Chiefs, who have now qualified for the Prem Rugby Cup final for the second consecutive year. They will face Leicester Tigers in the final, scheduled for Sunday, 15 March at 15:30.

Implications of the Match

The defeat for Northampton Saints is significant, as it marks only their second loss in 14 games this season. Their pursuit of a third knock-out final in three years now hinges on their performance in the Gallagher Premiership and Investec Champions Cup campaigns.

As both teams look ahead, Exeter Chiefs will aim to build on their momentum heading into the final, while Northampton Saints will need to regroup and refocus for their upcoming matches.

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