Saints prop Franks was really looking forward to Tigers battle

Saints' game against local rivals Leicester Tigers had to be cancelled due to a Covid-19 outbreak at the Gardens.

And for the players, staff and supporters, it came as hugely unwelcome news.

All Blacks legend Franks has got a real feel for the rivalry between Saints and Tigers since arriving from New Zealand in 2019.

And he said: "It is disappointing because I was looking forward to the derby.

"I didn't really know much about it until I got here but there's certainly a lot of feeling between both teams and I was looking forward to being part of it.

"It felt like we had a bit of a monkey off our back against Worcester (on Boxing Day) even though we know it's only one win and we've got a way to go.

"Apart from the Harlequins game, we felt like we'd been building pretty well.

"The team culture is good, morale is good and it feels like our game is steadily improving so it would have been nice to back that up.

"But we'll hold our breath and get ready for the next one."

Saints bagged a bonus-point 29-10 win in their most recent match, against Worcester last month.

And Franks added: "We could definitely take a bit of a breath after the game against Worcester.

"I'd never been on a losing streak that long (Saints had lost 12 successive games) and it definitely starts to wear on you.

"To get over that hump is a big thing for the squad but in terms of the way everyone's turning up to work and preparing for the weekend, it's been a positive mindset.

"It's been really good, from the coaches through to the players, everyone's pretty level-headed and we're looking forward to getting back on the field."