England’s international players will make a mass return to domestic action this weekend following the rigours of a punishing NatWest 6 Nations campaign.
Only four of the England match-day 23 involved against Ireland at Twickenham last Saturday are absent when the Aviva Premiership takes centre stage after a three-week break.
Anthony Watson, Owen Farrell and George Kruis are all injured, while England captain Dylan Hartley misses Northampton’s clash against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday because of illness.
Seventeen players on Six Nations duty last weekend start for their clubs, with two others – props Mako Vunipola and Joe Marler – among the substitutes for Saracens and Harlequins respectively.
While much focus will be on the England contingent, attention also surrounds Wales wing George North’s appearance for Northampton.
He has been named to start against the Falcons following the internal disciplinary action taken by the Saints against him for missing a training session earlier this month.
A crowd approaching 30,000 is likely for play-off hopefuls Newcastle’s appearance at the home of Newcastle United.
“I have been there for Newcastle United games, Rugby World Cup and Rugby league Magic Weekend, and it’s just an incredible venue,” Falcons Rugby director Dean Richards said.
“I am sure our guys will show a great focus and really rise to the challenge.
“They’ve done it many times already this season, and it is an enormously exciting time to be involved with the club right now.”
Saracens are also on different territory, with a 57,000 sell-out confirmed for a London Stadium appointment with Harlequins as the European champions start with England trio Richard Wigglesworth, Jamie George and Maro Itoje.
#TeamNews 📢@maroitoje is back for a strong-looking @Saracens as they prepare to face @Harlequins at the London Stadium 🏟️#SARvHAR #AvivaPrem pic.twitter.com/svTiBg1PQV
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) March 23, 2018
Saracens Rugby director Mark McCall said: “It feels as though the first seven months of the season has had its challenges.
“It’s been tough and we have had a few things to contend with, but we’ve got to the home straight and we are in pretty good shape, as it were. It is time now to get excited about what is ahead.”
Premiership relegation favourites London Irish will go into battle against Madejski Stadium visitors Gloucester on Saturday under their new coaching team of Declan Kidney and Les Kiss, and just 48 hours after Rugby director Nick Kennedy departed the club.
And Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann is wary as his play-off hopefuls tackle a team currently 12 points adrift of 11th-placed Worcester – the Warriors visit Sale Sharks on Saturday – with just five league games left.
“Obviously I think they will be a side who will be hungry and desperate,” Ackermann said. “They’ve had a change in coaching staff, and sometimes that can bring new energy and excitement. It’s going to be a big test for us.”
Sunday’s Premiership action, meanwhile, sees Leicester hoping to keep themselves in the play-off mix when they tackle Wasps at Welford Road.
