Northampton climbed to the top of the Gallagher Premiership table with a narrow 28-27 victory over struggling Newcastle at Franklin's Gardens. The Saints were pushed to their limits by the bottom-placed side, who played most of the match with 13 men after two yellow cards but still nearly pulled off a shock win.

Archie McParland, Ollie Sleightholme, Curtis Langdon and Tom Litchfield crossed for Northampton's tries, with Anthony Belleau converting all four. Newcastle's fightback included tries from Harrison Obatoyinbo, Ollie Leatherbarrow, Simon Benitez Cruz and Tom Christie, with Brett Connon adding two conversions and a penalty. The match saw Connon lead Newcastle out for his 150th appearance, though he began poorly by kicking off straight into touch.

Elsewhere in the Premiership, Exeter Chiefs secured a 26-14 win over Sale Sharks to move into third place, while Gloucester defeated Harlequins 26-19 at The Stoop. Arthur Clark's late try proved decisive for Gloucester in their battle for Champions Cup qualification, as they moved above their London rivals in the table.