Date set for Saints' return to Premiership action

The black, green and gold have not played since March 6, when they defeated Worcester Warriors 16-10 at Sixways.

The Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to the season, but there is increasing hope that match action can return in little more than two months' time.

Saints are understood to be due back in Stage 1 training at Franklin's Gardens on June 15 and at a Premiership Rugby board meeting on Thursday night, a season restart date of August 15 was set.

The action is set to be played behind closed doors, but fans will be able to get their rugby fix on television.

Darren Childs, chief executive of Premiership Rugby said: “Nothing will happen until it is safe to do so but we will do everything we can to resume the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership Rugby campaign on Saturday, August 15.

“We won’t take risks with people’s health, and rugby has unique challenges due to levels of proximity and impact, but with a number of clubs moving to Stage 1, it is important for us to give players, coaches and clubs clarity on when they can look to return. Bearing that in mind, we look forward to the restart of the season.”

The structure of the 2019-20 season is set to follow in due course.

But Saints, who are currently fourth in the standings, will be without one of their star players if and when the action does get back underway as Cobus Reinach is leaving to join Montpellier on July 1.