'A couple of options' for Gibson as his second Saints stint ends

And the Kiwi boss says the flanker has 'a couple of options on the table' after exiting Franklin's Gardens for the second time this year.

Gibson initially departed back in June at the expiration of his contract.

But after Tom Wood suffered a pulmonary embolism, Gibson was brought back in as injury cover.

However, that short-term deal is now at an end.

And Boyd confirmed: "He's finished with us for now.

"He's got a couple of options on the table.

"I had a long chat with Jamie on Wednesday and he would rather be here, but he's a victim of the impact of Covid.

"When this all came in we had our squad pretty well contracted bar about five or six people and it became very clear that we couldn't hang on to all of those.

"When you put them into baskets of 'must have' and 'nice to have' and looked at the positions and the strength you already had, unfortunately for Jamie, he should still be here playing with us but under the current financial environment and rugby-wise, there's no room for him.

"I wish him well."