Saints to face Worcester in behind-closed-doors Franklin’s Gardens friendly

The game will be Northampton’s final warm-up for the new Aviva Premiership season, which starts with a game at Worcester a week later.

No fans are allowed into the clash for safety reasons as Saints continue to put the finishing touches to the new Barwell Stand, which has replaced the old Sturtridge Pavilion.

But the encounter will provide vital game time for squad members ahead of the trip to Sixways seven days later.

Saints have already played two pre-season friendlies, winning both.

They beat Saracens 36-17 at Allianz Park before a late Tom Collins try secured a 27-23 victory at Wasps on Sunday.