Rory Hutchinson will become Northampton Saints’ 82nd player to reach a double century of appearances for the Club, as the centre brings up the milestone against Gloucester Rugby this weekend.
Since making his debut in Black, Green and Gold back in 2015, Hutchinson hasn’t looked back – with his journey from Saints’ Academy taking him through a PREM title win, Investec Champions Cup final and several Scotland caps.
Now the longest-serving member of the current squad, Hutchinson brings up the milestone in Saints’ final home match of the regular season with Gloucester the visitors to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in Round 17 on Saturday (kick-off: 3pm).
Northampton ran out 35-37 victors when the sides met at Kingsholm earlier this season, and know that a season double over the Cherry and Whites will secure them home advantage in the play-offs.
George Furbank captains Saints from fullback in an unchanged back three, that sees George Hendy and Tommy Freeman line up on the wings against Gloucester – with the latter sitting second in the league for tries scored (15) and first for initial breaks (32).
Double centurion Hutchinson partners Tom Litchfield in the centres once again this weekend, while Saints also remain unchanged in the half-backs. Fin Smith – who scored a season-high 24 points in Northampton’s record-breaking 94-33 win over Bristol Bears last time out – stays on at fly-half, while in-form Archie McParland retains his spot at scrum-half.
Luke Green marks the only change in Saints’ front row, as he comes in to start at tighthead prop – with Emmanuel Iyogun and Robbie Smith staying on at loosehead prop and hooker respectively.
Alex Coles and Ed Prowse reprise their partnership at lock against Gloucester, while Tom Pearson comes into the back row to join Henry Pollock and Callum Chick there and complete the pack.
Saints revert to a five-three bench for Gloucester’s visit, with the likes of Craig Wright, Danilo Fischetti and Tom Lockett providing cover in the forwards, while Jonny Weimann and Fraser Dingwall offer backs options, while James Ramm is primed for his return from injury against Gloucester.
Saturday’s game will also mark the end-of-season Leavers Ceremony. Please note, this year the ceremony will be a little different to usual, for full details please CLICK HERE.
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs GLOUCESTER RUGBY
Gallagher PREM, Round 17
Saturday 30 May, 2026
cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
Kick-off: 3pm
15 George Furbank (c)
14 Tommy Freeman
13 Tom Litchfield
12 Rory Hutchinson – 200th Saints appearance
11 George Hendy
10 Fin Smith
9 Archie McParland
1 Emmanuel Iyogun
2 Robbie Smith
3 Luke Green
4 Alex Coles
5 Ed Prowse
6 Tom Pearson
7 Henry Pollock
8 Callum Chick
Replacements:
16 Craig Wright
17 Danilo Fischetti
18 Elliot Millar Mills
19 Tom Lockett
20 Sam Graham
21 Jonny Weimann
22 Fraser Dingwall
23 James Ramm
Not available for selection:
Trevor Davison, Cleopas Kundiona, Alex Mitchell, Henry Lumley, Freddie St John, Edoardo Todaro and Charlie Ulcoq.
GLOUCESTER TEAM TO FACE SAINTS:
15 Ben Redshaw, 14 Ollie Thorley, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Seb Atkinson (c), 11 Ben Loader, 10 Charlie Atkinson, 9 Caolan Englefield; 1 Ciaran Knight, 2 Seb Blake, 3 Afo Fasogbon, 4 Arthur Clark, 5 Freddie Thomas, 6 Deian Gwynne, 7 Jame Venter, 8 Will Trenholm.
Replacements: 16 Jack Innard, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Jack Clement, 21 Mikey Austin, 22 Will Knight, 23 Josiah Edwards-Giraud.
Referee: Matthew Carley
Assistant referees: Andrew Jackson and Wayne Falla
No. 4: Mike Hudson
TMO: Hamish Smales