Saints Sign French Lock Gerard From Toulouse

The European Challenge Cup Pool 1 side began looking for a new lock when 21-year-old new signing James Percival suffered a neck fracture in a pre-season game. The injury will keep Percival out of action for the entire season.

Gerard, 27, was born in Toulon and measures 6ft 6ins tall and weighs in at 19st 1lb. He has two caps for France and was part of the Toulouse team that won the Heineken Cup in 2003 and 2005, and the French championship in 2001. He has been at Toulouse for the past five seasons.

Speaking about the signing, Director of rugby Budge Pountney said: "David is in the same mould of lock as Olivier Brouzet. He is a traditional big, strong second row who has played at the highest level. David is exactly what we need to strengthen our second row department following the loss of James Percival."

Gerard is due to arrive at Franklin's Gardens this weekend and, subject to registration, should be available for the Saints' European Challenge Cup opener against Viadana on Saturday, 22 October.