Pearson hoping for busy summer after try-scoring return from injury

Tom Pearson is targeting a busy summer after making his return from injury for Northampton Saints in their season-concluding fixture against Gloucester Rugby. 

The 25-year-old was the third-oldest Saints starter at Kingsholm Stadium on Saturday as the powerful back-rower’s five-week lay-off following a knee issue suffered at Newcastle Falcons came to an end.

Pearson was just eight minutes into his comeback when he scored his 13th Saints try on his 43rd appearance, and then went on to feature for Northampton until the game’s 55th minute among a young Saints squad that pushed fifth-place Gloucester until a duo of late scores saw the hosts run out 41-26 winners. 

It was a timely return for Pearson with England having a busy summer ahead, starting with an uncapped clash with France at Allianz Stadium on 21 June. That is followed by two Tests with Argentina in Buenos Airies (5 July) and San Juan (12 July) before taking on USA in Washington (19 July).

“It felt good,” said Pearson, referring to his knee. “I was a little bit worried with how it would go but I’m more than happy and I’ve got a lot of confidence in my knee now.

“For me personally, it was nice to get some match fitness and to get back on the pitch against an old rival.”

Pearson was the senior back row starter in Gloucestershire, as he was joined by fellow flanker Archie Benson on the occasion of his first Premiership start and Fyn Brown, whose first league start for Saints only came last month against Exeter Chiefs.

Saints were outscored in the first half by four tries to two, with Tom Litchfield also crossing the line, but Phil Dowson’s side closed the gap to just one point when Jonny Weimann finished off a move that saw Saints’ youngest ever Gallagher Premiership player, debutant Henry Lumley, make a key break.

While Iakopu Mapu’s effort did secure a try-scoring bonus point, Gloucester finished the contest on top with three further tries after the interval.

“We showed a lot of fight, a lot of effort,” Pearson said.

“I know people had us down to lose quite heavily so I’m really proud of the guys and how we turned up. It wasn’t perfect and there were some soft tries, but on another day, I think we come out on top there.

“It was great for me to have lots family at the game. It’s a place I know well and although I'm disappointed with the result, it was nice to be back.”

Pearson added: “Jonny Weimann and Henry Lumley were unbelievable - they brought it today.  Weimann hasn't played much in the Prem or for Saints at all, and I thought he stepped up so well today for the full 80. Shout out to those guys!”