Boyd: Isiekwe loan deal was a unique opportunity for Saints

The 21-year-old will move to Northampton on a year-long loan deal for the 2020/21 campaign.

Saracens will be playing their rugby in the Championship next season after being relegated for breaching salary cap regulations.

And that has led to them offloading a host of big names, some permanently and others on temporary deals.

Saints have taken the chance to recruit Isiekwe to bolster their forward options, with the 6ft 7in ace able to play in the second row and back row.

He has already amassed more than 50 Premiership appearances for Saracens and appeared in the 2019 Champions Cup final.

He has also been on the England radar, earning his first international cap on the Red Rose’s tour of Argentina in 2017.

And Boyd is delighted to have added the adaptable Isiekwe to his squad.

“We’re very excited to bring in Nick for a season at Franklin’s Gardens,” he said. “We had a unique opportunity to welcome one of the rising stars of English rugby to our group.

“Nick will add competition across both the engine room and the back row, complementing the quality group of players we already have in those areas and adding balance.

“He is still a young player but will bring significant Premiership, European and Test experience, as well as some real power, to our pack.

“Having spoken to Nick on numerous occasions now, I know that he’ll be 100 per cent committed to the club and completely immerse himself in our culture.

“I’m sure he’ll savour his time here, enjoy his rugby and be welcomed by Northampton’s supporters.

“Not only will he add value to our squad, but I hope we can help him improve and reach his goal of playing regular international rugby.”