Tom Litchfield is itching to return to action after a lengthy injury lay-off as Northampton Saints continue their PREM Rugby Cup campaign with a Friday night trip to Harlequins (kick-off: 7.45pm).
The 23-year-old has completed three months on the sidelines and is set to return to action as one of the squad’s most experienced campaigners having amassed 70 appearances since graduating through the club’s academy.
“My rehab has gone very smoothly, I had no issues,” Litchfield said. “I’ve been itching to get back out on the pitch with the group. I’m looking forward to Friday night and getting a run of games. It’s going to be good.
Saints return to PREM Cup action with a trip to the Twickenham Stoop under the Friday night lights, following a bye weekend in Round 7.
The men in Black, Green and Gold currently sit third in Pool B, ten points above Quins, and Litchfield said the squad have taken huge confidence from their latest victory in the tournament, which saw them emerge 40-22 victors against Leicester Tigers.
“We’ve taken massive confidence from that big win in a derby at home in front of a packed-out cinch Stadium,” Litchfield continued.
“Going away from home, we want to be confident and have that sort of form, that’s massive for us going into this game.
“Harlequins move the ball well, and obviously, they haven’t had as good a season as they may have wanted so far, so they’ll be looking at this competition to get some form.
“We’ll be expecting a big challenge, against a team that likes to move the ball as we do, it’ll be a good game, and hopefully we can come out with a good performance.”
With many Saints off on international duties, this PREM Cup block provides an opportunity for some less familiar faces to pull on the famous jersey and is a proven breeding ground for young talent to shine on the big stages.
“It’s interesting in the PREM Cup when you get a mix of experience and youngsters,” the centre added.
“So, for the guys who’ve played a bit more and have been here a little longer, it’s about us encouraging the younger lads to show what they can do and just be confident out there, and hopefully we can put together a good team performance.
“This competition is massive to get lads who don’t usually get the opportunity in the PREM to put the Saints shirt on and show what they can do.
“You’ll see so many lads playing for England this weekend who have come through playing the PREM Cup, it’s massively important for us for player development.”