Another box kick from Spencer keeps the pressure on Saints who are trying to run the ball out of their own 22.

A kick of their own from scrum-half Henry Taylor clears the danger...for now.

But Sarries will come again.

Leicester Tigers get the first points of the game at Sixways as Tom Hardwick kicks safely through the posts from the tee.

A scything break by Alex Lewington results in Saints going offside and Spencer is given the easiest of penalties in front of the posts to open the scoring.

The champions ahead.

We're underway and its Sarries who take the kick-off.

Early knock-on by Northampton gives the home side an attacking scrum.

Here come the teams at Allianz Park.

Sarries stalwart Alex Goode captains the defending champions from fly-half and with plenty of star names doing their thing in Japan, we'll get more than a glimpse of some emerging talent today.

For Saints, centre Rory Hutchinson starts, having been a notable omission from Scotland's World Cup squad.

Forward David Ribbans makes his 50th appearance for the club, can he make it an anniversary to remember?

Image source, Getty Images

Bristol and Bath got the new season underway last night and it was the Bears who stole the show, with a thumping win over their West Country rivals.

Things were looking tight at half-time with only four points in it, but Bristol raced away in the second period to register a highly impressive opening night victory.

Former Wasps Number 8 Nathan Hughes was on the scoresheet on his first league appearance in Bears colours and there were also tries for Luke Morahan (2), Mat Protheroe, Piers O'Conor, John Afoa and Ioan Lloyd.

Bath's Guy Mercer scored his side's only try with the rest of their points coming from the boot of Rhys Priestland, as Stuart Hooper's first game in charge didn't quite go as he planned.

Image source, Getty Images

We will be concentrating on Saracens v Northampton this afternoon, with regular updates from today's three other games. All fixtures kick-off at 15:00.

• Exeter Chiefs v Harlequins
• Sale v Gloucester
• Worcester Warriors v Leicester Tigers

Some mouthwatering match-ups to get our teeth into there I'm sure you'll agree.

If you have had your rugby mind elsewhere today, never fear, as BBC Sport's Rob Stevens has put together this fine preview of what to look out for during the season ahead.

Premiership rugby - it's a pleasure to see you again.

Image source, Rex Features

Good afternoon and welcome to the opening Saturday of the new Gallagher Premiership season.

You may have noticed there was some rugby going on elsewhere this morning a few thousand miles away, but with those humdingers done and dusted, we can all concentrate on domestic matters for the next few hours.

What do you make of your teams chances this season? Are you predicting a title tilt, top half or just happy to stay up?

Don't be shy, get involved.