As the Gallagher PREM returns after a four-week break, Northampton Saints winger Ollie Sleightholme is keen for the men in Black, Green and Gold to show what they can do as they take the trip down to Bristol Bears on Saturday.
Phil Dowson’s side remain the only undefeated team in the PREM going into Round 6 of the competition; however, Saints are looking for their first win at Ashton Gate since 2022.
“Bristol like to move the ball, and they’ve got some dangerous players,” Sleightholme said. “But I think if we get our plan out onto the pitch, then that gives us the best shot.
“We’re a different team to what we have been the last two or three years, and they’re a different team too have been, but internally, we’re just focusing on ourselves and what we can do.
The England international, alongside teammate George Furbank, recently returned from injury to make his first start against Newcastle Red Bulls in the PREM Rugby Cup where he scored a try on his return to cinch Stadium.
He added: “We’ve sort of been bouncing off each other and spent a lot of time together, so it’s made it a little bit easier having someone in the same boat when you’re off for that period of time.
“It’s been wicked to be watching the team do so well, but I’ve been itching to be out there doing it with them, and it’s been nice to get back playing in the PREM Cup instead of watching.
“The game has changed a little bit since I last played regular rugby. The kicking and high ball element in particular, so I’ve been taking that on board and trying to work out how I’m going to attack it.
“It’s nice to be back on the pitch and doing what I love, but you’ve seen it recently with the lads we’ve had quite a few injuries and no matter who’s on that pitch, we put performances out, and we get wins.”