Saints ready for Twickenham test in rugby's Aviva Premiership

Twickenham Stadium, venue for Northampton Saints' latest Aviva Premiership challenge Credit: Clive Gee/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Northampton Saints back-row forward Tom Wood says they're relishing the chance to play at Twickenham as they look to preserve their lead at the top of rugby's Aviva Premiership.

The defending champions are two points clear of the rest ahead of Saturday's (December 27) clash with Harlequins.

The last time Northampton turned out at the RFU's headquarters they were crowned champions after beating Saracens in the Aviva Premiership play-off final.

And the prospect of playing in front of a much larger crowd than they're used to at Franklin's Gardens during the regular season excites Wood, even though he's featured for England at the home of Rugby.

Mind you the 28 year old is unlikely to face his England skipper Chris Robshaw in the Harlequins side.

Robshaw is struggling with a troublesome shoulder injury, with the 'Quins coaching staff targeting their Premiership meeting with Leicester Tigers for his possible return.

Northampton are seeking a sixth straight win in all competitions, after last weekend's dramatic victory over fierce rivals Leicester Tigers.

Wood took over the skipper's duties in the victory at Franklin's Gardens after Saints captain Dylan Hartley was dismissed. The England hooker shown a red card by referee JP Doyle for elbowing Leicester's Matt Smith.