Ramm: We are up for a fight to the finish

JAMES Ramm believes Northampton’s exploits in the Champions Cup will boost their bid to not only make the Premiership play-offs again but secure a home draw.

- PAUL REES

Leaders Saints return to league action next weekend when East Midlands rivals Leicester visit Franklin’s Gardens, a ground where they have not lost in the Premiership since 2019.

Northampton went into last night’s home Champions Cup quarter-final clash with the Bulls having won all five of their matches in the tournament this season, a run that included victories at Glasgow and Munster, a tense tussle with Toulon at Franklin’s Gardens and a second victory over Munster last week in the last 16.

“Our form in the Champions Cup reflected all the hard work going on behind the scenes,” said Ramm, who is equally at home on the wing as he is at full-back. “Before this season, we struggled in Europe, hanging our hat on our attacking approach.

“We now have an all court game, maintaining our identity and flair while improving other aspects. Our defence has come on leaps and bounds and we kick the ball a fair bit, something you do not associate with us because of our attacking image.