Exactly a decade after his debut in black, green and gold, Courtney Lawes will make his 200th appearance for the Saints when they take on Clermont Auvergne in the Champions Cup this Saturday afternoon (16:15 local).
Having progressed through the Academy at Franklin’s Gardens, the hometown forward has been a lynchpin during one of the club’s most successful eras.
Also an England regular, Lawes’ 200 at Stade Marcel Michelin is another significant individual achievement in a 2017 that has already encompassed a first tour with the Lions and more recently the Premiership’s Player of the Month award for September.
The game also sees in half century milestones for Harry Mallinder (50 Saints appearances) and Ben Foden (50 Champions Cup appearances), with both earning themselves a cap for their respective achievements.
Elsewhere, Jamal Ford-Robinson makes his first start for the Saints on the tight-head, one of a number of changes to the starting XV.
Api Ratuniyarawa, Christian Day and Tom Wood also join the pack, while in behind Harry Mallinder, Nafi Tuitavake, Tom Collins and Nic Groom start in the backs.
Mitch Eadie (ankle), Rob Horne (calf), Lewis Ludlam (illness) and George North (knee) are unavailable for selection.
SAINTS TEAM TO PLAY CLERMONT
Champions Cup
Stade Marcel Michelin
Saturday 21 October 2017
Kick off 16:15 local (15:15 UK)
Live on BT Sport
15 Harry Mallinder
14 Ben Foden
13 Nafi Tuitavake
12 Luther Burrell
11 Tom Collins
10 Piers Francis
9 Nic Groom
1 Alex Waller
2 Dylan Hartley (capt)
3 Jamal Ford-Robinson
4 Api Ratuniyarawa
5 Christian Day
6 Courtney Lawes
7 Tom Wood
8 Teimana Harrison
16 Mikey Haywood
17 Francois van Wyk
18 Kieran Brookes
19 Michael Paterson
20 Jamie Gibson
21 Cobus Reinach
22 Tom Stephenson
23 Ken Pisi
