Northampton Saints have opened the defence of their Aviva Premiership title with an emphatic 53-6 win over Gloucester Rugby this evening, led by a hat-trick of tries from George North.

Gloucester saw plenty of possession inside the opening 20 minutes, but could only add three points as James Hook kicked a penalty to cancel out an earlier effort from Stephen Myler.

The defending champions scored the first try of the season a couple of minutes later, as the visitors mis-read a run from North, allowing the Welshman to dive over in the corner.

George Pisi extended the Saints' advantage after collecting a Myler chip, while North added his second at the end of the first half.

Northampton continued to create the majority of the chances after the break, allowing North to complete his hat-trick shortly after the restart.

Burrell also added a second, while Kahn Fotuali'i and Jon Fisher also crossed the line before full time as the home side eased to the win.