Northampton Saints hit by injury crisis before Hei - Event Date: 15 Sep 2020 - 15 Oct 2020

So the top European rugby tournament risks becoming a farce due to the recent playing schedule. Saints have only one loose head prop , a 19 year old, fit for the weekend v Exeter. Even if they sign a replacement-not currently allowed under the regulations-of how much use will he be with less than a week's training with the squad. Sadly this is only the beginning of the farce as can you imagine the state of the squads at the end of this bloc, a whole host of internationals and then a new season starting on november 21st, in the middle of the internationals. I understand the need to play a number of matches for the TV money but attempting to play all was ridiculous and sadly-for the players in particular- this is just the start of many chickens coming home to roost

Go back to five on the bench and have props train to play both sides.

They have plenty  of tight heads.

It would be ridiculous to bring in a Campionship or Nat 1 prop who has not played for months or even trained on a scrum machine - just because they are "a loose head".

I see they have been premitted to sign cover

So they have a 22 year old who has played for 10 minutes in the last 6 months coming in to help a 19 year old with 56 minutes experience of Premiership Rugby.