As predicted Northampton’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Ulster has been switched to Stadium:mk in Milton Keynes. The Saints sought special dispensation from European Rugby Cup organisers to keep the game at Franklin’s Gardens, even though it falls below the minimum 15,000 capacity.

But that effort was turned down and Chief executive Allan Robson told BBC Radio Northampton: “The regulation is clear and they’ve refused us. We’re not afraid of playing Ulster at Stadium:mk. It’s a matter of making it our home for the day. There’s no appeal, so we’ve now got to get on.

“Stadium:mk is a lovely stadium. We know very well that we normally sell out at Franklin’s Gardens for what you’d call an ordinary game.

“For a quarter-final in the Heineken Cup, with 21,500 capacity, I expect to sell it out.”