Northampton Saints beat Leicester Tigers to reach Premiership final
Captain George Furbank scored two tries in his final home game as Northampton Saints defeated Leicester Tigers 45-31 in a thrilling East Midlands derby at Franklin’s Gardens to reach the Premiership final.
The England international, who departs for Harlequins next season, ensured his current club has an opportunity to secure a second consecutive domestic title at Twickenham.
The hosts emerged victorious from an absorbing semi-final that featured an incredible first-half hat-trick from Tom Litchfield.
The table-topping Saints will now meet either defending champions Bath or Exeter Chiefs in the showpiece event.
Litchfield sets play-off record in frantic start
A bustling run from Henry Pollock laid the foundation for the fastest try ever scored in a Premiership play-off match.
Litchfield scythed through the opposition resistance after just 87 seconds to ignite the ferocious local rivalry.
The visitors responded swiftly through Hanro Liebenberg, who powered over in his final appearance for the Leicestershire club.
Fit-again full-back Freddie Steward then stretched over to give Geoff Parling’s side a momentary lead, remarkably scoring with the same hand that required thumb surgery just weeks ago.
Furbank finishes the job after first-half fireworks
A defensive mix-up allowed Litchfield to pounce for his second try before Tommy Freeman produced a spectacular solo effort.
The lightning-fast winger smartly side-footed a pinpoint Fin Smith cross-kick to extend the home advantage.
Ollie Hassell-Collins hit back for the fourth-placed Tigers, finishing well out wide following a clever kick from Billy Searle.
However, Litchfield muscled over with a last-gasp effort before the break to complete his treble and secure a 26-19 half-time lead.
Saints march on to Twickenham
The frenetic pace continued after the interval as the departing home skipper crossed the whitewash to consolidate the advantage.
Orlando Bailey and a second score from Hassell-Collins briefly kept the contest alive for the visitors.
Ultimately, Archie McParland’s fine effort and another clinical finish from Furbank sealed a memorable victory in front of a raucous home crowd.
The result sends the 2024 champions back to Twickenham, rewarding a spectacular regular season campaign where they finished comfortably at the summit of the standings.
