'Close to creaking' Northampton backline hit with a 5th major injury

Northampton's horror run of injuries to their backline is showing no signs of abating.

Only last week Harry Mallinder was ruled out for the remainder of the season, now another name has been added to the Saints long-term injury list.

Their 6'5" centre Andy Symons, who only joined the club in the summer, has had an ACL reconstruction that has ended his campaign.

Another centre, Nafi Tuitavake, is set to have shoulder surgery, while Samoan international Ken Pisi is also out until February, also with a shoulder problem.

"We're close to creaking but not there yet" Director of Rugby Chris Boyd reportedly told a Saints season ticket holders forum, according to the Northampton Chronicle.

"Andy Symons' season has finished because he's had an ACL reconstruction.

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Northampton's backline is looking threadbare, they will also be without their Wales fly half Dan Biggar for two Premiership matches during the international window, their home game with Wasps on November 17th, followed by the away match at Sale Sharks a week later.

"There's six all out in the one space so we're getting pretty thin in that (backline) area, but the guys who are left are going well.

"We're very blessed to be left with a couple of young boys: Fraser Dingwall, who played well last weekend, and Fraser Strachan, who came on.

"We're putting some faith in our youth to fill that hole for now, but we're not far away from having to call in the cavalry."

Symons' arrival had been much anticipated, with the bulky centre having plenty of Premiership experience, making over 50 appearances for Worcester and spending two seasons at Gloucester before his arrival at Franklin's Gardens.

Watch: Northampton DOR Chris Boyd discusses Hartley and the team's style of play