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.