By James Logan
With a week until the beginning of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season, Northampton Saints conclude their preseason with a visit from Bedford Blues to Cinch Stadium at Franklins Gardens under the Friday night lights.
One player who will want to play his part in what those in Green, Black and Gold hope to be back-to-back domestic title wins will be centre Rory Hutchinson.
Hutchinson scored a singular try for the Midlands side in 16 matches in all competitions last season. Hutchinson was apart of a breakthrough team, who had many of the young backs at the club called up internationally.
“For me personally I think it was a bit up and down,” said the centre, “I thought I had a really good start to last season but it was unfortunate that I got that injury at Leicester with my ankle going through the advertising board.
“I was able to play well and get back into the Six Nations fold but hurt my back and it was on and off from there.”
He added, “But that’s why I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running this season.”
Despite a strong comeback from his back injury, Hutchinson wasn’t involved in the match day 23 for the Premiership Final, but he believes it reflects the Saints’ options in the backline.
The Scotsman said, “You never really want to miss out on these big games but I think it is a testament to the coaches and the squad they have built.
“We have a competitive team, really competitive people in those positions and it brings the best out of us.
“We had an identity meeting last week and last season was the first time we’ve used the whole squad and as a whole, we used it effectively,” he said.
Hutchinson will start on Friday night in the centre next to England Internationals Fraser Dingwall, George Furbank and Ollie Sleightholme and would love to kickstart his season with points to his name.
However, he understands that despite being last season’s Premiership champions this season will pose its challenges and they must react accordingly.
“Unfortunately that is done now, it’s a new season,” said Hutchinson, “We are going to have new memories and new connections as it is a new season.
“It’s can we replicate it but people are going to be after us and that is the challenge we are looking forward to.”
Saints will begin their domestic campaign away at beaten finalists Bath in a rematch of last year’s final at Twickenham. The East Midlanders are in pre-season action tomorrow afternoon, as they take on Championship club Bedford Blues at Franklin’s Gardens.