Tommy Freeman hat trick helps Northampton into Champions Cup quarter-finals

Saints paraded their England contingent for the round of 16 clash and saw Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith play key roles in the seven-try demolition of their French opponents, who sit sixth in the Top 14.

HAT TRICK: Northampton Saints’ Tommy Freeman scores his side’s third try. Pic:©INPHO/James Crombie

Tommy Freeman continued his try hot streak by plundering a hat-trick as Northampton stormed into the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals with a 46-24 victory over Clermont at Franklin's Gardens.

Freeman lifted his total to nine tries from the last seven games, including five for England, to strengthen his claim to a place in the British and Irish Lions squad that will be announced by Andy Farrell on May 8.