By PAUL REES

PREVIEW...
Newcastle v Northampton
Today. Kick-off 3pm, Kingston Park
Tom Pearson did not have to think for long when Northampton made their move for him after London Irish folded at the end of last season.
The flanker, who turned 24 last week, was in demand as one of the brightest prospects in the Premiership. He trained with England also this summer and won his first cap in the World Cup warm-up against Wales in Cardiff, but failed to make the cut for France.
“My mum grew up in Northampton and my uncle and grandparents still live here,” said Pearson. “In the end it was a ...