Northampton Saints to play Worcester behind closed doors

The Northampton Saints will be hosting a friendly match behind closed doors this Friday, as builders make the final touches to a new stand at Franklin's Gardens.

Fans will not be allowed into the ground to see Saints take on Worcester, because the redevelopment of the Barwell Stand will still be underway.

Club bosses say the friendly will "Not just give the coaches the opportunity to continue their preparations for the Aviva Premiership campaign, but the players the chance to acclimatise to the new main pitch at Franklin’s Gardens and become familiar to playing in a much-changed arena."