With the majority of the weekend’s action having been done and dusted on Friday and Saturday, all that was left was for Saracens to take on Leicester Tigers in the Premiership.
And it was a day of contrasting fortunes for England’s players as Owen Farrell kicked Saracens to a much needed victory while Jonny May was shown a red card.
Starting the day with an unwanted seven straight defeats on their report card, Saracens travelled to Welford Road for Tigers’ first home match on Christmas Eve in 90 years.
It began well for the visitors as Jamie George got in on the scoring with a try in the 25th minute – adding to a penalty score and three points from Farrell.
But England man Mathew Tait hit back almost immediately following an outrageous behind-the-back offload from Adam Thompstone.
With each side scoring one try and being awarded a penalty effort, it was left to the kickers to settle the result.
And while England fly-half George Ford kicked five points in the match, Farrell took full advantage of the chances sent his way to knock over four penalties and a drop goal and secure a 29-17 victory.
Not only did Tigers lose at home, but they also had May sent off for two yellow cards – both for deliberate knock-ons.
The first came after just ten minutes, with the second arriving just 12 minutes before time as Tigers were looking for a way back into the game.
