Nottingham swoop for Saints pair

Both Rae (left) and Starling have fallen out of favour at Northampton

Nottingham have signed Northampton Saints duo Neil Starling and Alex Rae on loan on a game-by-game basis.

Starling, 26, plays at centre and returns to Nottingham having left in 2004 while Rae, 23, is a second or back row forward.

Director of rugby Glenn Delaney said: "I am sure Neil will fit into the team nicely and Alex will help cover some of the injuries we have picked up."

Nottingham travel to face Bedford Blues at Goldington Road on Saturday.

Delaney added: "Neil approached us about getting some game-time and with Alex Dodge out injured it was perfect timing.

"He is a very experienced campaigner in National Division One and I am sure he will make an impact from the bench on Saturday."

Starling will come straight into the starting line-up in place of Alex Dodge, who picked up an injury last weekend against Cornish Pirates, and Rae is named among the replacements.

Dan Cole also returns after starring for the England Saxons last weekend and is joined in the front row with Matt Parr, who moves up from the bench.

Nottingham: Savage, Jackson, Nirmalendran, Starling, Cobden, Taylor, Pilgrim; Parr, Duffey, Cole, Morley, Rouse, Hammond, Sherriff, Montagu.
Reps: Harris, Loney, McDonald, Rae, Davies, Thompson, Molenaar.