Northampton Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell will celebrate a landmark achievement this weekend, earning his 100th Gallagher Premiership appearance as Saints travel to Saracens on Sunday, 22 December, with kick-off at 15:05 at the StoneX Stadium.
The 27-year-old marks this significant milestone against the same opposition he faced during his Premiership debut in 2017. Starting at scrum-half for the Saints, Mitchell will lead the charge as the men in Black, Green, and Gold square off against the fourth-placed Londoners in a highly anticipated Round 8 clash.
Mitchell’s journey to 100 appearances has been a testament to his resilience, particularly after overcoming a recent neck injury that sidelined him earlier this season. The injury, sustained in club colours, sparked fears about his availability for both club and country, but Mitchell’s swift recovery has allowed him to return to top form and reclaim his spot in the Saints’ starting lineup, with hopes of a return to the England camp for the 2025 Guinness Six Nations.
On the international stage, Mitchell has cemented himself as a pivotal scrum half for England, earning 18 caps so far since his debut in 2021. His ascent to be Steve Borthwick’s first choice nine for the 2023 Rugby World Cup came unexpectedly but decisively. When Leicester Tigers halfback Jack van Poortvliet suffered an unfortunate ankle injury during a warm-up match against Wales, Mitchell seized the opportunity to step into the starting role that was vcacated by his East Midlands positional rival.
The shift proved invaluable, as Mitchell’s quick service, sharp decision-making, and ability to read the game became key components of England’s bronze medal winning campaign in France. Among his standout moments were his game-controlling performance against Argentina in the opening pool stage match, and his tireless work rate in England’s nail-biting semi-final defeat against South Africa.
Northampton’s recent history against Saracens has been nothing short of thrilling. The Saints secured three victories over their London rivals during the 2023/24 season, including a gritty 12-18 triumph at the StoneX Stadium, a commanding 41-20 win at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, and a heart-stopping 22-20 semi-final victory that propelled Northampton to their first Gallagher Premiership Final in a decade. Mitchell played a key role in those encounters, showcasing his trademark dynamism and game management in some glorious moments in green, black and gold.
As the Saints prepare to face Saracens once again this Sunday, Mitchell’s milestone appearance adds an extra layer of significance to an already compelling contest. With both sides eager to strengthen their league standings, Sunday’s match promises to be a showcase of high-intensity rugby, and Mitchell will be at the heart of the action as he continues to etch his name into Saints folklore.
