Saints supporters to be allowed back into Franklin's Gardens

It was confirmed by the Government on Thursday morning that Northampton has been placed in Tier Two of the coronavirus restrictions that will come into effect when the national lockdown ends next Tuesday.

That means that crowds of up to 2,000 are permitted to attend outdoor sporting events in the area, meaning fans could be back at the Gardens for the first time since February, although there has been no announcement or details from the club as yet.

Saints fans have not been able to attend a match at the Gardens since February 29, when a crowd of 15,000 watched their Gallagher Premiership defeat to Saracens.

Since that encounter, all matches have been played behind closed doors, and that will again be the case for this Saturday's home match with Harlequins.

The confirmation that Northampton has been placed in Tier Two means that a section of the club's fanbase will be allowed back in for the Champions Cup date with union Bordeaux-Begles on Friday, December 11 (ko 5.30pm).

Saints' first match post lockdown is scheduled for next Friday (Dec 4) at Bristol Bears, but that match will be played behind closed doors as Bristol is one of the cities placed in Tier Three, meaning spectators are not allowed.