Corbisiero to be a Saint

They have 14 match points and with 11 clubs going forward to April action in the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup knock-out stages they are still in the mix.

And they will travel to Scotland buoyed by confirmation that 18-times capped England prop Alex Corbisiero will join the Saints from London Irish in the summer.

"I'm looking forward to what will be a new challenge at Saints next summer," said Corbisiero.

"There is a great culture and hopefully I can help the team succeed whilst continuing my progression as a player, and I'm sure that Franklin's Gardens will be a good environment for me in that regard."

The 24-year-old has made 76 first team appearances for the Exiles and earned 18 England test caps, including in the successful 2011 Six Nations campaign.

Northampton have also confirmed that Alex Waller and Tom Mercey have both extended their contracts with the club.

"All three players have plenty of experience and because they are still in their early-to-mid twenties we believe that there is plenty more to come from them," said director of rugby Jim Mallinder.

"I'm delighted that all three props have put pen to paper to be a part of the Saints squad going forward."