Derby day biff, real deal Glos & Christian wades in – Prem talking points

Only 21 tries were scored across five Premiership matches in a storm-hit weekend, but the fourth round still brought plenty of drama. Leicester beat champions Northampton in a bruising East Midlands derby, while Gloucester’s victory over Bath put them top of the table and strengthened the case that they are genuine contenders.

Thirteen players involved in the Leicester-Northampton half-time scuffle later met for dinner at England camp, and Leicester scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet said the rivalry was part of rugby’s appeal. Gloucester have impressed with strong defence and attacking threat; Christian Wade’s try for Newcastle Red Bulls took him level with Chris Ashton’s Premiership record of 101. Newcastle have already won once this season, after waiting until round nine for their first victory last campaign.