The Six Nations began with all the blood and thunder that has come to be expected from Europe’s premier international competition, including a feisty, gritty Calcutta Cup, and a captivating contest between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium.
Several Saintsmen were in action over the weekend at various levels of competition. Dylan Hartley began his tenure as England captain with an abrasive win over Scotland, leading a squad which included Courtney Lawes and Paul Hill.
Aside from captaining England to their seventh straight Calcutta Cup victory, Hartley has also received plenty of plaudits for the way he played on Saturday. His set piece was as clinical as ever, losing just one line out and one scrum each, and he led an England pack that looked a world apart from the eight that were decimated at the World Cup.
George North started for Wales in their dramatic Dublin draw. North played the full 80 minutes against Ireland, helping his team fight back from a 13-point deficit to eventually head home with a share of the spoils.
At age group level Rory Hutchinson helped Scotland U20s to their first ever win over England on Friday night, while lock Alan Gregory and Frasers Strachan and Dingwall both represented the club as they took part in the annual Scotland Exiles vs Scotland Home game.
England head to Italy in Round Two this Sunday. If you are unable to follow England to Rome next weekend, why not head down to the next best place - Franklin’s Gardens!
Italy v England will be shown in the Members Bar, with doors opening at 1:00pm and the game kicking off at 2:00pm. The Members Bar has seats, the bar will be open, and hot snacks available.
