NHS Blood and Transplant is urging families in Northamptonshire to talk about their decision on organ donation when they get together over the festive season, so their loved ones know what they want when they die.

This will hopefully mean more patients can receive the transplants they need.

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Christmas is an incredibly busy time of year, however, away from the rush and bustle of preparing for the holiday, it should also be a time for family and thinking of others.

"We are urging everyone in Northamptonshire to take a moment to think about the people who will spend their Christmas hoping for just one thing: a life saving organ transplant.

"Would you like to help if you could? If you needed a transplant, would you want someone to donate to you?"

NHS Blood and Transplant say you should let your family know your organ donation decision, as this could help save more lives.

Mr Clarkson continued: "Every precious organ donor allows more families to spend special times together.

"A quick chat can save lives, and we know that even at a time of grief families take enormous comfort and pride from their loved one's donation."

Ethan Eaves, from Luton, is just nine months old but will have been waiting for a heart transplant for 100 days on Sunday, December 8, which is three times longer than the average wait for an adult urgent heart patient.

Ethan's dad, Richard, had a heart transplant in January.

Ethan's mum, Roselelia, 34, said: "It is mixed emotions because we know without a heart Ethan will die but then we know and understand another child will have die for Ethan to live.

"It's hard to comprehend it and we wouldn't wish anyone to be in this situation, but we are and are just trying to remain as positive as we can.

"We're excited about Christmas because it is Ethan's first Christmas but sad that we aren't waking up on Christmas Day with him at home."

She said they will be decorating Ethan's bed space with Christmas decorations and hoping good news will come soon. It can be hard to find organs to match children, as they need to find one the right size for the child.

Roselelia said: "We know how difficult it could be to even have these discussions. For anyone to think about dying and death, it is a very morbid subject.

"AlI I ask is you put yourselves in our shoes for one minute and think. Please just talk about it. Share your wishes. I pray that one day we can end the waiting list. We feel helpless and unable to do anything but what we can do is continue to raise awareness.

"We are living proof of the need for organ donation and what it can do. If my husband didn’t have his heart transplant, he may not have been here today."

Roselelia said the valves from her husband's heart were donated and they have discussed and agreed to donate Ethan's organs should he not survive. Roselelia said it would give her comfort to know he would live on and save another person's life.

At the moment, organ donation is done through an opt-in system, where individuals can sign up for an organ donor card or make sure their families know they want to be an organ donor.

From spring 2020, the law is changing and the system will become opt-out. This means all adults in England will be considered to agree to donate their organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate or are in one of the groups not covered by the new law.

Those not covered by the opt-out law are people under 18 years old, people who lack the mental capacity to understand the new law and take necessary action to opt-out, and those who have lived in England for less than 12-months

Ehren Painter says the mood was more one of excitement than trepidation for Saints' stand-in stars against Leicester Tigers last weekend.

And the 21-year-old prop is now looking forward to featuring in more big matches in the weeks to come.

Painter came in at late notice last Saturday, replacing Owen Franks, who picked up a hand injury.

Api Ratuniyarawa and James Grayson also got the nod hours before kick-off following the withdrawals of Courtney Lawes and Dan Biggar.

But the changes didn't affect Saints as they delivered a sublime showing in a 36-13 Gallagher Premiership success at Franklin's Gardens.

And Painter said: "It was really pleasing.

"We were looking forward to the game in front of a sold-out crowd, which made it more exciting.

"We got hit with the challenge of three experienced boys dropping out but credit to all the boys, they stepped up and everyone knows their roles.

"We were ready to roll at a moment's notice.

"I found out I might be playing earlier in the week and it was all pretty late notice, but we're always around those scenarios so if it happens everyone knows what they're doing and we're ready to rock and roll.

"It's another really good opportunity.

"The boys we lost, Owen, Biggs and Courts, are super experienced lads and, as Boydy (Saints boss Chris Boyd) said, it required an extra five per cent so we could get our performance onto the pitch."

Tigers had few solutions to the speed and ability of Saints.

And Painter added: "They picked a very big and heavy team and we knew what they would bring.

"We needed to nullify that with winning collisions and the breakdown, and set piece never goes away.

"As soon as we did that, we were ready to put our game plan on the pitch and we were pretty hot.

"We were really happy because it felt more of a complete performance than just doing well in the first half or second half or vice versa.

"We had to be confident but our confidence isn't arrogance because we knew as soon as we gave them a sniff they would score.

"But we were confident we could put our game plan and our work onto them and be successful."

Saints are now preparing for another huge home game as unbeaten Leinster come calling in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

And Painter said: "It's brilliant. I can't wait.

"This block of five games, last weekend, Leinster, Leinster, Sale and Gloucester, are all huge games.

"We're ready for it and it's super exciting for everyone."

In November there were 19 reports of fraudsters impersonating police in scams and police said the majority of these reports came from Kettering and Wellingborough.

This marks an increase in reports as there were only seven reports in October and in September there were only three.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Puddifoot from the economic crime unit said: "The people carrying out this kind of scam are clever and manipulative, leaving victims feeling panicked, vulnerable and frightened that their savings are at risk.

"Those targeted recently range in age from 60 to 95, with some victims losing thousands of pounds as a result - some have been asked to withdraw as much as £15,000 at once."

Northamptonshire Police said: "Courier fraud happens when a victim receives an unsolicited call from someone pretending to be from an official body, claiming there has been an issue with their bank account which requires them to transfer money, or provide financial information, hand over bank cards, cash, or buy gifts.

"The criminal will sometimes suggest the victim rings their bank or the police in order to authenticate the call.

"However, the fraudster does not disconnect the line, so when the victim re-dials they are still speaking to one of the criminals."

In some cases, a courier has even been sent to a victim's home to collect bank cards or documents.

DS Puddifoot said: "It's really important for people to know that police officers will never contact you out of the blue and ask for any financial details, bank cards or cash, nor would they send someone to take you to withdraw cash, buy gift cards or to collect bank cards or information.

"We're encouraging everyone to help us spread the word about this kind of scam so we can prevent any more people in our county falling victim to it."

The police are asking people to tell their relatives and friends that they should never give any information out if they receive a call like this, however plausible the caller may seem.

DS Puddifoot added: "If you're ever in any doubt that you've been contacted by the police, call us on 101 to check the identity of the person who called you - a genuine police officer will never mind you checking they are who they say they are."

Northamptonshire Police said if you receive one of these calls, end it immediately and contact the police and bank on another phone line, using a number you know is genuine like 101 for the police. If you do not have another phone line, wait five minutes after hanging up.

Remember your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN or to collect your bank card. They will never ask you to make high value purchases or withdrawals. They will never ask you for online banking log in details.

Report any suspicious calls or attempted frauds to Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Matavesi, who played in all four of Fiji's games at the recent World Cup in Japan, primarily lines up at hooker but can also be called upon at No.8.

The 27-year-old joins Saints from Championship club Cornish Pirates, where he has been since 2017.

It will be his first taste of the Gallagher Premiership, but he has previously enjoyed a loan spell in France, representing Toulouse as they went on to win the Top 14 title last season.

Matavesi, brother of Newcastle Falcons duo Josh and Joel, balances his rugby commitments with a career in the Royal Navy and is usually based at RNAS Culdrose.

He has not only played in the annual Babcock Trophy match against the Army at Twickenham, but has also represented the UK Armed Forces side and was awarded the Cossack Sword in 2018.

And Matavesi is now looking forward to his new challenge in Northampton.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to compete at the top level of English rugby and I can’t wait to pull on a black, green and gold jersey for the first time,” Matavesi said.

“Northampton Saints is a club steeped in history and the team is playing a fantastic brand of rugby at the moment – plus having a few fellow Fijians here at Franklin’s Gardens is a nice bonus!

"I can’t wait to get started.”

Ireland star Jordan Larmour says Saints will give his Leinster side their 'toughest challenge yet'.

Franklin's Gardens will host the huge Champions Cup Pool 1 showdown on Saturday afternoon as Saints bid to end Leinster's unbeaten start to the season.

Leo Cullen's side have won all seven of their matches in the Guinness PRO14 and both of their Champions Cup matches so far.

Saints have won four of their five Gallagher Premiership games and both European encounters.

Chris Boyd's side put local rivals Leicester Tigers to the sword last Saturday, securing an impressive 36-13 success at the Gardens.

And talented wing Larmour said: "They're a very good attacking side with a good kicking game and good defence.

"We're going to have to be switched on and to come up with a good game plan.

"This will probably be our toughest challenge yet.

"We always put pressure on ourselves to perform.

"We've got a bit of momentum now but it's just important that we forget about that, put it behind us and focus all our attention on two big weeks.

"We have high standards, and we need to live up to them.

"It's hugely exciting. Both teams have been going well. Every point counts. It's important we're switched on and we bring it.

"We're just focusing on how to beat Northampton. We'll do our homework, see where we can exploit our game plan.

"Come Saturday, the better team will win."

Leinster, who rested their first-choice stars for the win at Glasgow Warriors last weekend, are the favourites to claim Champions Cup glory this season.

And Larmour added: "We're building nicely and everyone's looking forward to getting back on the pitch this week.

"There's always different things you can work on. It's important we fix them on the training pitch.

"Last week we had about 44 people in training so there's massive competition and standards are high.

"I'm enjoying my rugby at the moment. As long as I'm getting game time, I don't really mind where I'm playing.

"You need games to be getting better. It's in the games where you really show yourself."

Reviews into how two Northamptonshire adults died after suffering neglect and failings from agencies supposed to care for them are expected to be published later this month (DEC).

More than 18 months since they were first established the safeguarding adult reviews into the two people will be made public soon.

Safeguarding Adult Reviews are carried out under the Care Act 2014 and are commissioned when an adult dies as a result of abuse or neglect and there is concern that partner agencies could have worked together more effectively to protect the deceased.

One review, classified as SAR008, was launched in February 2018 and the other, classified as SAR010, was begun a month later. According to the recently published Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adults report for 2018/19 SAR008 concerns ‘organisational abuse, neglect, act of omission’ and SAR010 centres around ‘neglect and acts of omission by a number of agencies.’

The reviews were due to be published earlier this autumn but had been put back because of the general election.

At Northamptonshire County Council’s full council on November 21, chair of the Northamptonshire Adult Safeguarding Board Tim Bishop was asked by Cllr Danielle Stone why the two reviews had taken so long to be made public as she was worried about the length of time that had elapsed.

Mr Bishop, who is paid £20,126 per year for the work he does chairing the statutory board, said: “They (safeguarding adult reviews) do take an inordinate amount of time and it is always a challenge to try and get them published as soon as possible.

“Any reasons sound a bit like excuses, but one of the things that does take time is going back to family members with drafts to make sure their voice is being heard and to make sure they are comfortable the report is focusing on the things that concerned them.”

Nothing is known publicly about the circumstances surrounding the two deaths. The Corby and Nene Clinical Commissioning Group recorded in a safeguarding report in August that both reviews were going to an extraordinary adult safeguarding board meeting later that month and that learning from both reviews will be circulated widely among health professionals.

In total seven serious reviews are to be published in Northamptonshire. Besides the Safeguarding Adult Reviews there are three Domestic Homicide Reviews outstanding as well as two serious case reviews into instances where a child has been seriously harmed or died. This follows two serious case reviews published earlier this summer into the murders of two-year-old Northampton boy Dylan Tiffin-Brown and one-year-old Kettering girl Evelyn Rose Muggleton.

George Furbank has been added to Saints' injury list ahead of Saturday's Champions Cup clash with Leinster at Franklin's Gardens.

The full-back was one of the stars of the show in the 36-13 win against Leicester Tigers last weekend, but he had to come off the field for two separate head injury assessments.

Ahsee Tuala was the man who replaced him on both occasions and the Samoan now looks set to start this weekend.

James Grayson is likely to drop to the bench as Dan Biggar appears to be recovering well from the foot injury that ruled him out as the last minute last weekend.

"George Furbank took another knock on his head last weekend and if you remember he had a nasty collision in the Harlequins game last season (in April) where he knocked himself out completely," Saints boss Chris Boyd explained.

"He hasn't had any recurring issues from that but he did take a blow last weekend and he's our 10 cover when Dan plays so in the absence of George - I will give him some weeks off to make sure there are no issues - Jimmy Grayson will probably come onto the bench."

On Biggar, Boyd said: "Dan Biggar has a niggly foot and he probably could have played last Saturday but couldn't kick.

"We just have a bit of a policy that we try not to push our guys too hard.

"He didn't train today but there's no reason why he won't play on Saturday."

Saints are set to remain without Courtney Lawes and Owen Franks, who were both named in the starting line-up last weekend but had to withdraw.

"Courtney had a little hamstring strain before we went to Benetton so we didn't take him there," Boyd said.

"It was fine the front end of last week and then he re-tweaked it at training on Thursday and had it scanned on Friday night or Saturday morning.

"He's got a grade one hamstring tear and he won't play this weekend.

"He might be back the weekend after - he's 50/50 for Leinster away."

"Owen has gone home to New Zealand for Richie Mo'unga's wedding, which was pre-arranged at the time we contracted him anyway.

"But he has a broken thumb and that'll be three or four weeks, I'd imagine."

Harry Mallinder (knee), Alex Mitchell (knee), Henry Taylor (thumb), James Fish (head) and Reece Marshall (hamstring) are all out, while David Ribbans (back) and Ben Franks (elbow) are doubtful.

Piers Francis is set to be fit though as he has recovered from a shoulder problem.

Saints have moved to bolster their ranks at hooker in the absence of Fish and Marshall, signing Fiji World Cup forward Sam Matavesi from Cornish Pirates.

And Boyd explained how the move came about.

"We've had six hookers on our roster and I've been under pressure from the other coaches that we've been sailing a bit close to the wind because we've only had two fit hookers for the last three or four weeks," Boyd said.

"We got one young fella who is a converted prop to a hooker in the Academy (Jack Hughes) but it just puts too much pressure on.

"A good friend of mine, Alan Muir, is the scrum coach for the Fiji national side and he was up here for the Barbarians game and recommended Sam to us.

"We had a discussion with Cornish Pirates, came to an arrangement with them and it gives us really good cover.

"He trained with us this morning and he's ready to go.

"Reece Marshall still hasn't recovered from the hamstring he tore off the bone at Exeter last season and James Fish is having some ongoing concussion issues so I'm not sure how long he's going to be (out for).

"We just needed to plug the hole."

Piers Francis says life at Saints is now 'really cool and exciting'.

The centre has only been able to play 40 minutes of rugby for his club so far this season due to World Cup commitments and injury.

But he is now ready to return from the shoulder problem he picked up against Lyon last month.

And Francis can't wait to be part of a stylish Saints matchday squad once again when Leinster come calling for a huge Champions Cup clash on Saturday.

"It's really cool and really exciting here," Francis said.

"We like to be amongst each other, we like each other's company and there's a recognisable philosophy in how we're trying to play.

"It's different to most teams but it's a heck of a lot of fun to be involved in, and I think the fans appreciate that.

"We like to try to put it on the field and at the moment it's been very successful.

"The biggest thing for us as a collective is to play well for the club and our fans.

"It's exciting for you guys to be watching the style we're playing because it's not only exciting to watch but it's successful.

"We've been quite dominant and it's about being consistent with that week in, week out."

Francis got limited game time for England at the World Cup, only featuring in the win against the USA.

But he savoured the experience of being part of a squad that went all the way to the final, where England eventually lost to South Africa.

"The World Cup was awesome - a phenomenal experience, a great country," Francis said.

"To be amongst the team was really good for me. It was a really close group and what we really worked on was being really tight-knit. It was really genuine amongst us.

"It was a massive reason to get us where we got to.

"It was obviously a frustrating finish.

"We felt we put so much into it, we'd prepared so well, the coaches got us in such a good space and it was just disappointing at the end.

"Inevitably everyone's going to judge you on your last game and it was the World Cup final, which didn't go as we prepared for it to.

"But it was still a cool experience.

"I was really stoked to get the start against the USA and some of my family were there under the roof.

"It was great to get my World Cup shirt and I would have liked a couple more but it was still cool to be amongst the lads to help them out where I could."

We're not telling porkies, the pigs in blankets pizza is here.

Hugely popular supermarket chain Lidl says it is now officially acceptable to eat pizza at Christmas thanks to its brand new Pigs in Blanket Festive Pizza.

The pizza will cost just £3.29 and will be available in store from tomorrow (Thursday December 5).

The new addition is described as a 'delicious stoned-baked sourdough base pizza topped with a rich Mediterranean style tomato sauce, red onions, cranberry sauce and of course, pigs in blankets'.

Lidl’s inventive Christmas trimmings doesn’t stop there however, as the retailer is also launching six additional blanket inspired bites.

The range will include a Yard long Pig In Blanket and Deluxe 6 RSPCA Outdoor Bred British Pork Stuffing Parcels as well as Chicken in Blankets.

And the director of rugby says he would not welcome any approach from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for his attack coach.

England are searching to fill that role following Scott Wisemantel's move back to Australia after guiding the Red Rose to the World Cup final in Japan.

Vesty is now hot property following his fine work at Worcester Warriors and now Saints.

But Boyd will not be letting him go without a fight, admitting the 38-year-old has been one of his most important recruits since switching to Northampton in the summer of 2018.

"Sam's contracted with us for about another 15 years," Boyd said jokingly.

"Bringing him here is one of the best decisions I've made.

"We were disappointed to lose Alan Dickens to England Under-20s but he'd been here for 11 years and he felt he needed a change, something different to find out what the world is like outside this club.

"We were sad to lose Dicko but when I talked to him about it, I knew it was the right thing to go on his coaching journey. Jake Sharp has stepped up from the Academy (to become interim defence coach).

"One of the best decisions I made here was the coaching group and Sam Vesty is a talented young coach, Phil Dowson is going to be a really good coach and Matt Ferguson is doing a really good job with our scrum.

"We'll sort the defence portfolio out going forward."

When asked what would happen with Vesty if England did come calling, Boyd said: "I wouldn't be releasing him, that's for sure.

"It'd be interesting and I suppose everyone's got their price if it's about money, but I think Sam's a bit more about job than money.

"I'm pretty sure Sam's happy with what he's doing at the moment."

Vesty switched to Saints from Worcester Warriors a year and a half ago.

And Boyd explained: "When I got the job I made the decision I wanted to have English coaches here.

"I went to people I knew and said 'I don't care whether it's a backs, forwards, attack or defence coach, who is the young, up-and-coming, promising English coach?' and all paths led to Sam Vesty.

"I rang him out of the blue and he wasn't particularly happy with his lot at Worcester and he was looking to leave.

"He had some options apart from Northampton so I was very pleased when he decided to come and work with us.

"I'm happy with all the coaches. They're all high potential coaches."

So what is it that makes Vesty stand out?

"All the best assistant coaches have a good eye for the game," Boyd said.

"It's like the difference between a good referee and a bad referee. A good referee sees a picture and knows what's wrong and can interpret what that problem is straight away.

"An average referee will go 'that picture doesn't look right, let me think about it' and by the time he's processed it, the game has moved on.

"Sam Vesty, and two or three coaches I've worked with in New Zealand, immediately their eye tells them what's happened and they know immediately.

"For a technical coach coaching rugby, you have to have technical knowledge and be good at what you do."

Flanker Paddy Ryan has left Saints to join Championship club Cornish Pirates.

Ryan moved to Saints' Senior Academy from the Leinster Academy at the start of the 2017/18 season.

He went on to play a part in a successful Wanderers side, scoring a try in the 2018 Premiership Rugby A League final success against Exeter Braves.

But Ryan was only able to make one first-team appearance for Saints, starting against Wasps in a Premiership Rugby Cup clash in November 2018.

The 21-year-old has been hampered by injuries and has only recently returned from an ACL problem.

Now he will look to build a career with the Pirates in the second tier of English rugby.

"With injury to both John (Stevens) and Matt (Bolwell), plus Will (Wilson) returning to Wasps for A league involvement, it was crucial we strengthen our back row stocks," said Cornish Pirates boss Chris Stirling.

"Paddy has just returned from a long-term injury and is extremely excited to be joining the Pirates on an initial short-term contact.

"This can be a win-win for all involved as, arriving highly recommended, he has a possible chance of a longer-term future."

Three Saints stars are in the running for November's Gallagher Premiership player of the month prize.

Tom Collins, Rory Hutchinson and Taqele Naiyaravoro have all been nominated following some stellar showings in the black, green and gold.

Saints players make up a third of the shortlist as the club sits proudly atop the Premiership table.

Saracens forward Ben Earl, Worcester's Ted Hill, Bristol duo Nathan Hughes and Charles Piutau, Exeter's Tom O'Flaherty and Gloucester's Joe Simpson are also in the running.

Premiership Rugby are once again opening the voting to the public on the official Premiership Rugby app.

The usual panel of 10 judges remain – Nick Mullins (BT Sport), Jill Douglas (Broadcaster), Alastair Eykyn (BT Sport), Mick Cleary (The Daily Telegraph), Sarah Mockford (Rugby World), Jonny Fordham (The Sun), Robert Kitson (The Guardian), Chris Jones (BBC 5 Live), David Rogers (Getty Images) and Tom Hamilton (ESPN) with Premiership Rugby communications director Paul Morgan acting as chair – but the public will act as an 11th judge.

Your vote and those from the other 10 judges will then be tallied to reveal the winner each month.

Voting closes at 1pm on Thursday so to ensure your favourite player wins, get voting on the official Premiership Rugby app.

Access the Polls section in the ‘More’ menu tab and get voting!

Gallagher Premiership Rugby Player of the Month – November shortlist

Tom Collins – Saints

Ben Earl – Saracens

Ted Hill – Worcester Warriors

Nathan Hughes – Bristol Bears

Rory Hutchinson – Saints

Taqele Naiyaravoro – Saints

Tom O’Flaherty – Exeter Chiefs

Charles Piutau – Bristol Bears

Joe Simpson – Gloucester Rugby

Picking out a baby name can be a tricky decision, particularly when there are so many to choose from.

But despite thousands of potential options, some monikers still remain a firm favourite among new parents, with these 10 boy’s names proving to the most popular choices in 2019, according to BabyCentre. Which one would you go for?

Alex Wakely has signed a new one-year deal that will keep him at Northants until at least the end of the 2021 season.

Wakely is the longest serving player in the squad and will enter his 13th year for Northants in 2020.

The 31-year-old stepped down as club captain last season but was still able to celebrate a promotion to Specsavers County Championship Division One.

And Wakely said: “I’m over the moon to sign a new contract with my boyhood club.

"I love this club to bits and can’t wait to be a part of the next couple of years which look really exciting

“I missed the 2014 season in Division One (due to injury) so I am chomping at the bit to have a go."

Wakely was hugely influential as skipper, leading Northants to two T20 titles.

And he said: “I’m very proud of what I have achieved as captain but I want to prove to myself that I can score the runs I should do as batsman.

"I haven’t banged out the big hundreds which I know I should be able to, so I’m looking to put that right over the next couple of years.

"I want to be part of a winning team and this group of players certainly has what it takes to win another trophy.”

Wakely has been a staple on the teamsheet in all three formats for several years and was quick to recognise the impact of the support the side receive at the County Ground.

He said: “It’s an uncertain time for cricket at the moment but one thing is for sure and that is that Northamptonshire County Cricket Club is a great place and people have worked very hard over the last few years to get it that way.

"The support we have is phenomenal and I know next year will be no different.

"There really is no better place to play T20 than under lights with a full house at Wantage Road.”

This is not a list of all offenders who went through the court system in Northampton last month, but defendants who have committed some of the most serious offences.

While there are thousands of names to choose from, these 10 baby girl names have proved to be hugely popular among new parents, and ranked as the top choices in 2019 according to BabyCentre. Which name would you go for?

The 2020/21 campaign will start on the weekend of September 12, with the final taking place on June 26.

The following season will start on the weekend of September 18, with the final on June 18.

The Premiership Rugby announcement comes after the schedule for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021 was revealed.

The Lions will start with a fixture against the DHL Stormers on July 3, 2021 and finish with the third Test at Ellis Park, Johannesburg on August 7, 2021.

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: “More than 12 months ago, alongside the RFU and RPA, we announced the season structure for Gallagher Premiership Rugby until 2022, which gave everyone clarity on the future.

“This joint agreement, which included a number of player welfare initiatives, detailed the dates of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Finals in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

"The 2021 Gallagher Premiership Rugby final will be on June 26 at Twickenham Stadium, as we reconfirmed to the Lions some weeks ago.

"Talks are not ongoing over this issue, and we are glad to have the opportunity to confirm that so any doubts can be removed.

“In 2017 World Rugby's San Francisco Agreement set out a new global calendar to run until 2032, which included the movement of the Premiership Rugby season into June aligning with Super Rugby.

“The San Francisco Agreement allowed us to set the future season structure for Gallagher Premiership Rugby.

“We welcome today’s confirmation of the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, which starts on Saturday, July 3.

"Since 1997 Premiership Rugby and its clubs have been incredible supporters of the Lions, providing 124 players for those tours, and we wish the Lions every success in South Africa when again we expect our clubs to supply a large number of players for the trip to play the world champions.

“We will continue our amicable discussions with the Lions over their tour operational requirements.”

Gallagher Premiership Rugby season dates
2019/20
Gallagher Premiership Rugby final: June 20
2020/21
Gallagher Premiership Rugby starts: weekend of September 12
Gallagher Premiership Rugby final: June 26
2021/22
Gallagher Premiership Rugby starts: weekend of September 18
Gallagher Premiership Rugby final: June 18

Sale Sharks will be without one of the key men for the clash with Saints on December 21.

Back row forward Jean-Luc Du Preez was hit with a three-week ban at his disciplinary hearing on Wednesday.

The South African ace was shown a red card by referee Luke Pearce in the 39th minute of Sale's defeat at Worcester last Saturday.

He was dismissed for striking an opponent with the shoulder.

Du Preez accepted the charge and was given a three-week suspension by the panel comprising Ian Unsworth QC (chair), Guy Lovgreen and Rob Vickerman.

He is not free to play again on December 23, meaning he will be unable to square up to Saints in the Gallagher Premiership clash at the AJ Bell Stadium.

A group of school children are helping Northamptonshire Police to deliver a special anti-knife crime message this Christmas.

Pupils from Newton Road School in Rushden and Isebrook SEN College in Eastleigh Road, Kettering, have been busy decorating wooden baubles to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife.

In total 100 baubles have been designed by the 10 to 13-year-olds, which will be used to decorate a Christmas tree at the Force’s Northern Accommodation Building (NAB) in Kettering.

Representatives from both schools have been invited to the police base tomorrow (Wednesday, December 4) for a special event, which will include singing Christmas carols and the official switch-on of the Christmas tree lights.

At the event, the pupils will join local officers and Northamptonshire Emergency Services Cadets, who have also designed baubles, to help hang their decorations on the anti-knife crime themed 10ft tree.

Head of the Northamptonshire North Local Policing Area, Superintendent Dennis Murray, said: “It is a sad fact that knife crime is becoming normalised among our young people which is why the Force has added it to its policing priorities for 2020.

“The majority of young people would not dream of carrying a knife however those who do, do so in the belief it is going to protect them. Every time a knife is used, there is potential for two lives to be changed forever – both that of the victim and the person who uses it.

“To have an impact on knife crime, we need to start educating our children at a younger age in order to prevent them from getting to that point where they believe carrying a knife is ‘normal’.

“Working in partnership with our schools on projects like this is essential, as it not only raises awareness of the impact knife crime has on society as a whole but also encourages our young people to speak out against it.”

Both schools will be presented with a certificate for taking part in the project, and there will be a special prize for the winning design from each school.

Rory Hutchinson turns up from training with boots in hand and sits in the Franklin's Gardens stands, surveying the lush green canvas in front of him.

He has grown used to painting memorable pictures on the pitch in recent times, becoming a huge hit since boss Chris Boyd and attack coach Sam Vesty arrived at Saints in the summer of 2018.

At times, it has almost seemed like he is playing the game from the stands, influencing his own actions with a controller, such is his ability to see space and use it to the greatest effect.

Hutchinson has become a key cog in a style of play that has observers of the Saints swooning.

But you won't catch him getting carried away with his own form as he gives a modest response to any praise that comes his way.

"I'm really lucky to be given the opportunities week in, week out," Hutchinson said.

"I'm really enjoying my time under Chris (Boyd), Sam (Vesty) and Alan (Dickens), who has unfortunately left now. Alan played a big part for me when I was coming through.

"I'm just enjoying my rugby, we've got a great team and everyone wants to play for each other.

"A few years ago it wasn't looking that way but now we've turned it around.

"We want to go and bring titles back to Northampton."

Hutchinson, who is still just 23, was one of several young stars who put Leicester Tigers to the sword last weekend.

The likes of James Grayson and George Furbank also caught the eye once again as their club showcased the array of talent that has emerged from the Academy in recent years.

And one common theme among every one of the young guns is the lack of fear they show on the big stage.

"You obviously respect every team because no team is bad," Hutchinson explained.

"We move on from Leicester to Leinster now and we respect that Leinster were in the final last year and they've been in a lot of European rugby finals so they are a good team.

"But we're not going to speak about Leinster all the time, we want to worry about ourselves just as much.

"We want to go in there and challenge ourselves because we want to see where we're at against these good European teams.

"We (Saints' young players) are all pretty relaxed but when it comes to it we're on the money.

"We're all just really enjoying our rugby at the moment because we're getting to play with our best mates who we've grown up with through the Academy.

"Now a large majority of us are quite a big part of this team and it just makes it more special."

Saints scored five tries against Tigers with Hutchinson once again the architect of so much that was good about his side.

"The performance was really good," he said.

"We'd have liked to have started quicker but we were pretty consistent for the majority of the game and to get a scoreline like that against Leicester in a derby is great.

"From one to 23, everyone played their part.

"It was brilliant, a great atmosphere, a great day and it was great to be on the winning side.

"It is a massive game with the history of it and three or four years ago they were the ones winning all the derbies.

"Now it has switched over and we want to keep it that way for Northampton.

"It was a special day and I was lucky to be able to play in an occasion like that."

But luck isn't the biggest factor in Hutchinson's rise.

That owes much to determination and the delivery of his obvious talent, with the coaches the catalyst for that.

"We train like we play," he said.

"We are going to make mistakes and we do turn the ball over quite a lot, but when it doesn't turn over it pays off for us.

"We play that high-risk game, we know what the consequences are, but you've got to live on the edge if you want to play the best rugby.

"You can't be conservative.

"The game plan we've got here now everyone's bought into and it's exciting."

Hutchinson was recently rewarded with a new deal at Saints as the club fought off interest from elsewhere to keep hold of one of their prized assets.

But the player says he never really considered going elsewhere.

"I always wanted to stay at Northampton - it's all I know and it's been a massive part of my rugby journey," Hutchinson said.

"I felt I couldn't leave with what's to come.

"We built last year, we're building now and I want to see it through.

"It's exciting and hopefully there are some good times coming to Northampton."

Saints will hope the good times keep rolling this Saturday in what is a huge clash for the club.

They host Leinster in the first game of a Champions Cup Pool 1 double-header.

The two teams sit locked on nine points apiece, with Leinster unbeaten in all competitions this season.

And Hutchinson said: "When we got them in the draw we were really excited because we know how good a team they are.

"We're excited for the challenge and we know there are going to be opportunities for us.

"We're really looking forward to having it on our home patch and playing them back to back is even more special, being able to go over there.

"We're looking forward to it, we've done our homework and we're really looking forward to coming out here on Saturday.

"It's an early kick-off, 1pm so spag bol at 10am in the morning!"

Saints have met Leinster so often during the past decade, losing to the Irish giants in the Heineken Cup final in 2011 and meeting them in the pool stages in 2013/14 and 2016/17.

And Hutchinson has clear memories of some of those matches.

"I remember very well that Brian O'Driscoll between the legs pass (when Leinster won 40-7 at the Gardens in December 2013) and the Jamie Elliott run all the way after the interception (when Saints won 18-9 at the Aviva Stadium on the following weekend).

"I was watching it at home, I was still at school.

"They're two big memories for me and everyone's really looking forward to it coming back here - hopefully the fans are as well."

If Saints do get the chance to celebrate this weekend, they may just do it with a handshake.

The celebration, which became a regular occurrence during the double-winning season of 2013/14, made a return against Tigers last weekend.

And Hutchinson said: "It's a bit of fun, we don't need to be jumping all over the floor and things like that.

"It's a nice old-school celebration and everyone buys in and everyone enjoys it.

"I'm not too sure how it's all come back but I don't think it's about winning the league back then or anything.

"Everyone's just really enjoying it at the moment and it's good fun."