Saracens

Northampton Saints: Hendy, Freeman, Hutchinson, Dingwall (c), Todaro, Smith, Mitchell; Fischetti, Smith, Davison, Lockett, Van Der Mescht, Coles, Pearson, Pollock

Replacements: Wright, Iyogun, Green, Prowse, Chick, McParland, Belleau, Litchfield

Yellow card: Pearson (40)

Saracens: Malins, Caluori, Tompkins, Farrell, Bracken, Burke, Bracken; Mawi, Dan, Riccioni, Itoje, Tizard, Gonzalez, Onyeama-Christie, Willis

Replacements: Hadfield, Carre, Street, Isiekwe, McFarland, Earl, Simpson, Hall

Yellow card: Riccioni (54)

Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe

“I’ve absolutely loved my time at Saracens and have made some friends for life,” explained Reading-born Willis, whose brother Jack plays for French club Toulouse.

“I will continue to give everything for this club for the remainder of the season and I’m very excited about what this squad can achieve.”

The Telegraph, external has reported that Willis is set to rejoin Bordeaux-Begles, having left them for Saracens in January 2023.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said he is “disappointed” by Willis’ desire to leave but respected the player’s “decision to pursue a new challenge”.

“He [Willis] has made a great impact on the field and been a popular team-mate off it,” McCall added.

“I know he is determined to give everything to the group over the coming months.”

The uncertainty over his future puts his hopes of reaching the milestone of a century of Test appearances agonisingly out of reach at just two short.

“I fear that the international ship has sailed,” said Williams, who also played in a World Cup semi-final having made his debut in 2012.

“I’ve not called time on that but it would be impossible without a club.

“If I start playing regularly and there are some injuries in the back three then Steve [Tandy, head coach] may give me a call.”

Williams worked with Tandy on the Lions’ tour to South Africa in 2021 and believes he can help turn around Wales, who ended an 18-match losing streak in the summer.

“Steve’s personality is a good fit for Wales, he’s very passionate, productive and positive,” said Williams.

“Wales is in a sticky spot but we have a young squad and hopefully the guys can thrive over the next couple of years.”

Williams hopes he can still play a part in that recovery before hanging up his boots.

Saracens have held talks with Racing 92 about a possible return for former club captain Owen Farrell, Sarries director of rugby Mark McCall says.

Former England skipper Farrell moved to the French club last summer, having spent his career to that point in north London.

“I think there are some discussions with Racing as to whether or not they would release him from his contract,” McCall told TNT Sports after his side’s final day win over Bath.

Saracens are looking to recruit cover with Alex Lozowski set to be out long term due to an Achilles injury suffered at the end of March.

The club ended an inconsistent season sixth in the Premiership with their 36-26 victory over an under-strength Bath side at StoneX Stadium on Saturday.

It was just the third time Saracens have finished outside the top four since 2009.

Farrell, who has 112 England caps and has represented his country in three World Cups, was one of a number of senior players to depart the club last year including Mako and Billy Vunipola.

Saracens: Carre, George, Riccioni, Itoje, Isiekwe, McFarland, Onyeama-Christie, Willis, van Zyl, Burke, Segun, Tompkins, Daly, Elliott, Goode

Replacements: Dan, Mawi, Beaton, Tizard, Gonzalez, Earl, Bracken, Cinti

Bath: Kirk, Spandler, Griffin, Jeanes, Richards, Staddon, Cowan, Green, Schreuder, Bailey, McConnochie, Parry, Hennessey, Emens, Woods.

Replacements: Tuipolutu, Cordwell, Verden, Graham, Timmins, le Roux, Offiah, Stewart.

Referee: Karl Dickson

Northampton: Ramm; Freeman, Dingwall (capt), Hutchinson, Litchfield; Smith, Mitchell; Iyogun, Langdon, Davison, Mayanavanua, Lockett, Coles, Kemeny, Pollock.

Replacements: Wright, Haffar, Millar Mills, Prowse, Scott-Young, Weimann, Garside, Seabrook

Saracens: Goode; Elliott, Daly, Tompkins, Segun; Burke, van Zyl; Mawi, George, Riccioni, Itoje (capt), Isiekwe, Gonzalez, Earl, Willis.

Replacements: Dan, Brantingham, Clarey, Tizard, McFarland, Onyeama-Christie, Bracken, Hall.

Yellow card: Onyeama-Christie (72)

Referee: Luke Pearce