Zimbabwean international prop Cleopas Kundiona asserted that Northampton Saints are ready to defend their Gallagher PREM title as they kick off the new season under the DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens lights against Newcastle Red Bulls tomorrow evening (25 September, kick-off: 7:45pm).
Entering his second season in Northampton, the powerful prop packs down at tighthead for his 19th appearance in Black, Green and Gold.
“I’m excited for the new season,” Kundiona explained. “I think coming in last season, it was a new environment, and I was getting used to the boys, but I feel really settled now and want to carry on that momentum.
“When I first signed, I saw Northampton as a place where I could really develop my game in terms of the set-piece as well as around the park, and the coaches have helped me massively week on week, giving me tips and advice on how to improve.”
“The squad that we have here is a special bunch of people. The unity and the connection that we have both on and off the pitch is something I haven’t seen very regularly.
“When we flick that switch to the on-pitch mindset, we all know our roles.”
Kundiona arrived at Northampton Saints from French Pro D2 side USON Nevers where he made 50 appearances for the side, 38 of which came as a starter. Kundiona is also a key member of Zimbabwe’s international side, helping the Sables qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup by beating Namibia in the final of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.
“Winning the PREM with the boys last year was incredibly special,” he continued. “Although I wasn’t in that matchday 23 for the final, playing in games throughout the season and contributing to it was so amazing; all of those memories are very special.
“This year, the mindset is to take the season as it comes. We know what we can do, and we want to perform at our best to replicate last season’s achievements. Other teams have changed, and we need to change, but we also need to put out our best performances.
“I love playing here at DPD Stadium. I love the fans, and the atmosphere when I first arrived was so special. Every weekend when we play at home is packed, and the fans are so lively.”
Saints open up the 2026/27 Gallagher PREM season as they host Newcastle Red Bulls tomorrow night. Kundiona will face off against former teammates Sam Graham and Tom West, but he asserted that the preparation was fully focused on how Saints can perform.
He added: “In the PREM, everyone has a strong set-piece, so we can’t move away from that. Red Bulls Friday night will be a good game, but in our preparation, we’ve just been focusing on ourselves and what we can do and our principles and putting our game on the pitch, and we just know we have to be at our best.”