EPCR alter the rules as Saints draft in Gloucester prop for Champions Cup quarter-final

Saints had lost all four of their senior loosehead props to injury, leaving them with just England Under-20s player Manny Iyogun to call upon.

And with squads having to be registered by September 1, it looked like they would be left short for their trip to Sandy Park this weekend.

But tournament organisers EPCR have unanimously agreed to alter their rules to permit the registration of front row players after the September 1 deadline.

And that has opened the door for Saints to bring in Gloucester prop Alex Seville on loan.

The 22-year-old will link up with the squad on Friday.

And Saints CEO Mark Darbon said: “We are pleased that EPCR have adopted a sensible approach in today’s ruling.

“Given the length of time it took for this decision to be made, and the challenge of bringing in new players at this stage of the season, especially with all of the Covid-19 related measures in place, we would like to thank Gloucester Rugby who have agreed to loan us their 22-year old loosehead prop, Alex Seville, on a short-term basis until the end of September.

“Alex will join up with the squad on Friday and will be available for our European Champions Cup quarter-final match on Sunday.

“We are also grateful to Exeter Chiefs for the pragmatism they have shown in supporting today’s decision.”