Arrival of Saracens and England ace announced at Saints' online forum

Saracens lock Nick Isiekwe is joining Saints on loan

The news was announced to 1,000 supporters during Wednesday evening's online season ticket holders' forum, which involved Saints boss Chris Boyd, CEO Mark Darbon and chairman John White.

Isiekwe, who is also capable of playing in the back row, will add more depth to a strong second row that includes Courtney Lawes, Alex Moon, David Ribbans, Api Ratuniyarawa and Alex Coles.

The 21-year-old came through the Saracens Academy and made his debut back in 2016. He has since gone on to rack up more than 50 Gallagher Premiership appearances.

The 6ft 7in star appeared in the 2019 Champions Cup final and has also been on the England radar, earning his first international cap on the Red Rose’s tour of Argentina in 2017.

And he will now be remaining a Premiership player while Saracens play in the Championship next season.

The Allianz Park outfit have been relegated to England's second tier due to salary cap breaches and have since offloaded some big hitters, either permanently or on loan.

Saints have been in the market for forward reinforcements, and Isiekwe will add bulk and strength to the black, green and gold pack next season.

An official club announcement on the Isiekwe signing is expected early on Thursday morning.