Vickerman deal is still in place for the Saints
Northampton Saints are to continue their deal with Dan Vickerman next season – despite the Aussie lock playing just 25 minutes last term.
Vickerman signed an open-ended deal at the start of last season to
combine his studies at Cambridge University with playing with Saints.
But it was always agreed his land economy degree and playing for
Cambridge University would come first, which severely limited his
opportunities to play.
Despite that Vickerman was registered for the knOckout stages of the Heineken Cup when Christian Day sustained a neck injury at Munster, but he didn't feature in the quarter-final return at Thomond Park.
There was room for the deal to be continued this season and when asked about the situation, club spokesman Chris Wearmouth said: "It is the same as it was last season."
Vickerman was considered one of the best second rows in the world when he was playing for Australia.
The South African-born 31-year-old won 54 caps for Australia and played in two World Cups.
And with Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe now gone his experience could be
important in a second row that has also seen top lineout operator
Juandre Kruger return to the Bulls.
Saints have signed Mark Sorenson and Adam Eustace, who can also play in the back-row, to fill the void.
But director of rugby Jim Mallinder will be hoping for more game time from Vickerman this season.
Vickerman won't be available until at least after December as the Light Blues build up for the Varsity match at Twickenham.
Cambridge beat Oxford last season, with Vickerman, who trained with Saints during the season, captaining the side.
Meanwhile, Saints have struck an agreement with Championship side Birmingham & Solihull, which will see their Academy youngsters playing for the Bees next season.
The Bees have signed a host of players after just avoiding relegation to National League One last season.
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