Saints announce extended squad ahead of Black Lion battle

Saints have announced an extended squad of 31 players preparing to face Black Lion in the pre-season fixture against Georgian side Black Lion at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

The final team selection is set to be revealed on Thursday.

Tommy Freeman and Fin Smith are set to be involved in the game against Black Lion (photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Tommy Freeman and Fin Smith are set to be involved in the game against Black Lion (photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Saints' England stars are now ready to return from their mandatory rest period, meaning Manny Iyogun, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman are all in line to get some game time this week.

More good news comes in the form of Anthony Belleau and Ollie Sleightholme, who had both been on the injured list in recent weeks but who are now part of the extended squad ahead of the Black Lion battle.

Also in line to get their first minutes ahead of the Gallagher PREM opener against Newcastle Red Bulls on September 25 are key names such as Danilo Fischetti, Curtis Langdon, Josh Kemeny and Rory Hutchinson.

Saints' extended squad ahead of the clash with Black Lion…

Forwards: Danilo Fischetti, Emmanuel Iyogun, Curtis Langdon, Robbie Smith, Cleopas Kundiona, Ion Neculai, Alex Coles, Tom Lockett, Ed Prowse, JJ van der Mescht, Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, Callum Chick, Josh Kemeny, Jack Lewis, Tom Pearson, Henry Pollock, Josh Taylor.

Backs: Archie McParland, Alex Mitchell, Anthony Belleau, Hugh Shields, Fin Smith, Fraser Dingwall, Rory Hutchinson, Toby Thame, Tommy Freeman, George Hendy, James Martin, James Pater, Thomas Rowe, Ollie Sleightholme.