England star Freeman 'fully refreshed' as he gets ready to return to Saints action

Having completed the mandatory rest period, the England star and his international team-mates are set to get some game time in the pre-season fixture against Black Lion at Franklin's Gardens.

Freeman helped Saints to claim Gallagher PREM glory last season, scoring in the final against Exeter Chiefs.

Overall, he racked up a whopping try tally of 20 in just 19 appearances for his club during the 2025/26 campaign, despite the fact that he had played a big role in the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia last summer.

Freeman also represented England on numerous occasions, even heading straight into camp after celebrating Saints' title success.

But he has been able to take some time to recharge the batteries since representing his country in the Nations Championship.

And he is now ready and raring to go for Saints ahead of the PREM opener at home to Newcastle Red Bulls on September 25.

"After winning the PREM it was straight into camp and straight back into focusing on the England stuff," Freeman said when asked whether he has had a chance to fully reflect on Saints' title win.

"But I definitely reflected on it post-tour, had a good summer, enjoyed it, and I'm definitely excited to get going again.

"Last year, there was a warning coming out about how difficult it can be to go again after the Lions, I came back from the summer, thought I felt fine and then a few games in it probably affected me without realising it.

"But I definitely feel refreshed this time. I had a good summer, relaxed, a lot off feet and probably too much sushi but it was a good, well-earned summer."

Freeman has heaped praise on the Saints coaches for the way they manage him and his team-mates.

"They're fantastic!" he said. "Dows (Saints boss Phil Dowson) is always checking in on me, (Sam) Vesty too. They're always intrigued.

"I think they know how hard it can be when you're doing lots and you're busy constantly so they're very good at giving me what I need in terms of just checking in to make sure all is well."

Freeman may be asked to play more at full-back this season following the summer departures of George Furbank and James Ramm, though they do have several other options for the 15 shirt, including George Hendy and James Pater.

But Freeman, who typically plays on the wing for Saints, will happily go where is needed to help his team succeed.

"What I've achieved on the wing means it's probably where I'm best suited, but if I'm needed in the centre or at full-back I'll happily fill in there for the team," he said.

"Whatever the team needs at the time is what will be, but obviously wing I think is the position and it's probably where you see the best of me, but we'll see what happens.

"Obviously injuries and things like that come along so if I can help cover and do my bit, I'm happy."