As Tommy Freeman fast approaches the 30-game involvement limit for the season, Northampton director of rugby, Phil Dowson, is seeking clarification on the details behind this facet of the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP).
George Furbank made an aborted comeback as Northampton set-up a repeat of last season’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster with a 51-16 rout of Castres.
Northampton Saints player ratings: Phil Dowson's side booked a Champions Cup semi-final with Leinster after seeing off an ill-disciplined and quarrelsome Castres at Franklin's Gardens on an impressive 51-16 scoreline.
George Furbank is set to play his first game since fracturing an arm against the Bulls in mid-December.
Europe's elite tournament needs more uncertainty rather than another shakedown towards an inevitable Leinster-Toulouse final.
Tommy Freeman continued his try hot streak by plundering a hat-trick as Northampton stormed into the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals with a 46-24 victory over Clermont at Franklin’s Gardens.
Northampton Saints have confirmed that Temo Mayanavanua, Juarno Augustus and Fin Smith will return to the starting line-up for Friday’s Investec Champions Cup Round-of-16 fixture against ASM Clermont Auvergne.
Tom Roebuck scored twice as Sale secured a thrilling 27-24 Gallagher Premiership bonus-point win over defending champions Northampton which boosted their play-off hopes.
England lock Ollie Chessum will return to Leicester Tigers' starting XV on Sunday as his side host Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership.