Northampton put their dismal Zurich Premiership form behind them to get their Heineken Cup campaign off to a winning start in horrendous conditions at Hughenden.

Former South Africa captain Corne Krige will lead Northampton in their friendly against Edinburgh on Saturday.

Northampton Saints full-back Nick Beal and flanker Darren Fox have pledged their immediate futures to the club by signing new contracts.

Northampton were today waiting to discover whether Gloucester will be confirmed as their opponents in the Powergen Cup final at Twickenham on April 5.

London Irish 9

England internationals Matt Dawson and Ben Cohen have given Northampton a huge Heineken Cup boost by being passed fit for Saturday’s crucial home clash against Biarritz.