Saints turn on Saints as rot continues

Northampton Saints' dismal season hit a new low on Saturday night when the players took out their frustrations on each other during a scuffle at a bar.

The club confirmed that Saints players were involved in a post-match 'fracas' following their 25-12 Heineken Cup defeat in Toulouse, and indicated that the matter would be dealt with internally.

The fight broke out in the Frog and Rosbif - a Toulouse city-centre bar - and allegedly involved around a dozen Saints squad members.

A club statement read: "The club is aware of an incident that took place in Toulouse after the weekend's match, which involved a fracas between some members of the playing squad.

"Although there were no repercussions, the club will be dealing with the matter internally and will not be commenting further, but concentrating on this weekend's [Powergen] cup game against Bedford."

Most of Northampton's senior players had already left the bar when trouble broke out, but the very public display of disunity was witnesses by a number of the club's travelling fans.

New skipper Steve Thompson reportedly acted as peacemaker, but the future of at least one player is said to be in the balance following the unsavoury scenes in Toulouse.

On the field, the Saints are reeling from a club record nine successive league defeats, which has left them propping up the Premiership - three points adrift of their nearest rival.

The club recently parted company with head coach, South African Alan Solomons, and put caretaker coaches Budge Pountney and Paul Grayson in charge.

Although Saints still have a chance of reaching the Heineken Cup quarter-finals, following home wins against Toulouse and Llanelli plus a victory at Glasgow, their domestic form is alarming - only two victory from 11 outings.

Northampton face a crucial league clash at London Irish two days after Christmas, then host Leeds on New Year's Day - games which could have a major bearing on deciding their fate in English rugby's top-flight.

It is an embarrassing episode for the proud old club, and a clear indication that all is not right following the sacking of Solomons.