Saints fans can't wait to get back to Franklin's Gardens

But on Friday evening, 2,000 fans will finally be able to grace the home ground of their beloved team once again.

It will be the first time since February that Saints, who have endured a torrid run of form at home, have been able to welcome their supporters to the Gardens.

And how those who have been successful in the ballot are looking forward to watching their team in the flesh as they take on Bordeaux-Bègles in the big Champions Cup opener.

Here are the views of some of the supporters who will be attending, sent to our man @WheresTommyV on Twitter...

@asmashcroft: "I can't wait. I go with my 7 year old son and we've both missed it enormously. We are obviously massive saints fans but the matches have always been more than just the rugby. We can't wait."

@nathan_flynn: "635 (minus one Italian disaster) consecutive games now set to continue on Friday night following the COVID break. Excited is an understatement. Cannot wait to get back to the Gardens and get behind the lads!"

@NICKHONEYS: "It was my 50th birthday in Nov and the plan had been to do some fantastic rugby themed celebration but of course that didn’t happen. So a cold Friday night at the gardens with my daughter sounds just about perfect right now. Excited."

@Rotmm: "To me the best thing about getting our tickets in the ballot was when I told my 12 year old son Lucas that we were going to watch Saints this Friday. The "YES!" with a fist-pump matched my emotions perfectly. Absolutely can't wait to be back at the Gardens."

@JamieMoss86: "I’ve been a season ticket holder since 2001/02 season, so this is my twentieth season and I could count one one hand the home games I’ve missed in those two decades. Until now. This losing run is the worst i’ve experienced but despite that, I can’t wait to be back. My second home."

@samchambers2: "Genuinely can't wait to be back and resume a bit of "familiarity" in what has been the most unfamiliar year! This is where the season starts for Saints!"

@sjhammerschmidt: "I’m the eternal optimist. Every game day is a fresh start. I cannot wait to be cold and wet with a pastie and a hot chocolate in hand - and to hear 2,000 make the noise of 15,000! Fortress time. #COYS."

@ntinsane: "Despite all of the results this year can't wait to get back to Franklin's. Its something that I think a lot of us need. Whilst it won't be same as being on D Block I could not pass up the opportunity to go and cheer on the lads as soon as I could. They need us and we need them."

@janniky: "Cannot wait to get back in the Gardens . Being able to watch Saints again in the flesh with a Guinness in hand is going to be a welcome distraction to the horror that has been 2020z."