Canada, who opened their tournament at Exeter on Saturday evening against Ireland ‘A’, have moved their training base to Pritchard’s present club home of Goldington Road, Bedford ahead of Friday’s crucial clash against the defending champions.

Pritchard is anticipating a memorable evening.

“It’s going to be great,” he said. “Even though I didn’t have much game time at Franklin’s Gardens playing there was one of my best experiences to date. The support is better than anywhere else in the club world and everyone gets behind their rugby, no matter who’s playing.”

With the World Cup looming in only a few months the Churchill Cup is at the heart of Canada’s preparation. Pritchard says that having the opportunity of being with the rest of the national squad is extremely valuable for every player.

“It’s extremely important for us,” he says. “Everyone’s pushing for a World Cup spot and behind the scenes we don’t get together too often because all the players are spread out across the world. It’s important that we gel and become a family immediately.

“We’re up against a top side in the Maori as well which will help our preparation on the field immeasurably.”

Tickets for Friday’s Churchill Cup game between Canada and the New Zealand Maori are still available from the Saints Ticket Office. Call 01604 581000 for more information.