Dowson Revamps Squad for Saints’ Clash with Bath Rugby

Phil Dowson has revamped his Northampton Saints squad ahead of their crucial match against Bath Rugby on December 27, 2025. This final clash of 2025 takes place at the Recreation Ground, with the kick-off scheduled for 5:30 PM. The Saints currently sit in third place in the Gallagher Premiership table and aim to secure a victory to move into the top two.

Recent Performance and Historical Context

Northampton has struggled in their last three visits to Bath, with their last victory there occurring in April 2022. In that match, the Saints overcame a 31-12 deficit, with Mikey Haywood scoring in overtime, marking their first win at Bath in seven years. Yet, in their recent encounters, the home side has consistently emerged victorious.

Team Changes Ahead of the Clash

For this match, Dowson has made ten changes to his lineup. Callum Chick returns as captain, leading a team that features several familiar faces alongside newcomers.

Starting XV Against Bath

• 1. Emmanuel Iyogun
• 2. Robbie Smith
• 3. Trevor Davison
• 4. Ed Prowse
• 5. Chunya Munga
• 6. Callum Chick (c)
• 7. Sam Graham
• 8. Henry Pollock
• 9. Archie McParland
• 10. Anthony Belleau
• 11. James Ramm
• 12. Rory Hutchinson
• 13. Tommy Freeman
• 14. Edoardo Todaro
• 15. George Hendy

Notable Replacements

• 16. Henry Walker
• 17. Oliver Scola (making league debut)
• 18. Elliot Millar-Mills
• 19. Archie Benson
• 20. Fyn Brown
• 21. Tom James
• 22. Henry Lumley
• 23. Ollie Sleightholme

Unavailable Players

Several players are not considered for selection, including:

• Emeka Atuanya
• Will Glister
• Curtis Langdon
• Tom Litchfield
• Tom Lockett
• Charlie Ulcoq
• Tom West

Bath Rugby’s Lineup

Bath Rugby will field a strong side to challenge the Saints:

• 1. Beno Obano
• 2. Tom Dunn
• 3. Thomas du Toit
• 4. Quinn Roux
• 5. Ross Molony
• 6. Josh Bayliss
• 7. Sam Underhill
• 8. Miles Reid
• 9. Ben Spencer
• 10. Finn Russell
• 11. Henry Arundell
• 12. Max Ojomoh
• 13. Ollie Lawrence
• 14. Joe Cokanasiga
• 15. Tom de Glanville

Referee Information

The match officials include:

• Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys
• Assistant Referees: Hamish Smales, Jonathan Healy
• TMO: Dan Jones

This encounter promises to be an exciting clash between two recent champions of the Gallagher Premiership, as the Saints aim to end their Bath hoodoo and solidify their position in the league standings.