Northampton Saints will break new ground this September when they face Georgian side Black Lion for the first time in the clubs’ histories.
After opening their PREM Rugby Cup campaign with two away fixtures, the men in Black, Green and Gold will return to Franklin’s Gardens on Friday 18 September to take on Black Lion (kick-off: 7.30pm). The match is included within 2026/27 Season Ticket Holder packages.
Tickets will go on sale on the following dates:
- Thursday 13 August – Early-access window for Season Ticket Holders to purchase additional tickets
- Saturday 15 August – Early-access window for Saints Members
- Monday 17 August – General sale opens
Founded in 2021, Black Lion will feature in this season’s European Rugby Challenge Cup, and have won the Rugby Europe Super Cup on four occasions.
Coached by Pierre-Henry Broncan, who took charge in the summer of 2026, Black Lion will become the first team from Georgia ever to face Northampton Saints. Broncan brings a wealth of top-level experience, having guided Castres Olympique to the Top 14 Final in 2022 and also served as part of Australia’s coaching staff during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Former Italy international Marco Bortolami, who won 112 caps for his country, is part of Black Lion’s coaching team as Assistant Coach.
The fixture will also provide Saints with a final opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of the defence of their Gallagher PREM title the following weekend, with the Club’s England internationals expected to be available for selection.
“Our England internationals will be rested during the opening two rounds of the PREM Rugby Cup, so this fixture will be their first chance to get meaningful game time ahead of the new season,” said Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.
“You can train as hard as you like throughout preseason, but nothing truly replicates the physical and mental demands of a match.
“It gives us the chance to strengthen combinations across the squad, integrate new players into our systems, and continue developing the understanding and cohesion we’ll need heading into our opener against Newcastle.”
The match against Black Lion will be Saints’ second preseason fixture ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, following their trip to Sri Lanka to take on Asia Pacific Lions next month.
“We’re excited to be welcoming Black Lion to Franklin’s Gardens in September,” said Saints’ Chief Executive, Julia Chapman.
“With the squad travelling to Sri Lanka as part of our preseason preparations, and the ongoing redevelopment of our Supporter Village, opportunities for us to play at home have been limited this summer.
“We’re therefore very pleased to be able to offer our supporters a chance to see the team in action in Northampton ahead of the new league campaign.
Vasil Abashidze, Chief Executive of Georgia Rugby and Black Lion, added: “Established in 2021, Black Lion was created to accelerate the development of Georgian rugby by providing our best players with regular opportunities to compete at the highest level.
“Alongside the regular tournaments in which Black Lion participates, fixtures against world-class clubs such as Northampton Saints are an essential part of that vision.
“They challenge our players, strengthen our programme, and demonstrate the ambition of Georgian rugby to compete with Europe’s finest.
“We are delighted to face Northampton Saints on 18 September at the iconic Franklin’s Gardens, and we are confident this will be a memorable occasion for both clubs and rugby supporters alike.”