The waiting is almost over for the players and fans of Leicester and Northampton - with the Aviva Premiership final nearly upon us.
No Lions distractions
Tom Croft is among six Leicester players who will link up with the British and Irish Lions after this weekend's Premiership final at Twickenham - however his
focus is purely on domestic glory. "This is an exciting time for the club and it is what the boys play for throughout the year. It is not about 'oh I wish I was with the Lions now' it is about finishing off the job here, hopefully picking up the trophy and then you can flick the switch on Sunday and meet up with the Lions and fly off to Australia."
Point to prove
Dylan Hartley says he is not going on the British and Irish Lions tour just to make up the numbers and
will prove his worth in Saturday's Aviva Premiership final. The Northampton skipper will go up against England and Lions rival Tom Youngs at Twickenham and he is out to prove a point. "I think a few people think I am in the Lions squad to cover the third hooker place. I see this weekend as a chance to push myself forward. I am going there to win a trophy for the club but it is an opportunity to play well and put my hand up."
Gallery - Leicester v Northampton
Leicester and Northampton have enjoyed a number of rip-roaring encounters over the years. Saturday's match will be the 228th meeting between the East Midlands rivals - with the first encounter back in 1880 - at Leicester's Belgrave Cricket & Cycle Ground - ending in a 0-0 draw. The Tigers have had the edge over the Saints in recent years, winning the past seven encounters - including in the final of the LV= Cup. Ahead of the Premiership final we
look back at some of the past encounters.
