Forward Holford joined Wasps from Leicester Tigers

Nottingham have signed front row forward Michael Holford on loan from London Wasps to provide emergency cover for South African prop Robbie Harris.

Harris was due to return to Meadow Lane this week having been on compassionate leave in his homeland.

Director of rugby Glenn Delaney said: "We were expecting Robbie to return but he will not be. This has put huge pressure on our front row resources."

Holford, 26, will make his debut against London Welsh on Sunday.

Delaney added: "We have had to take emergency action and we are very grateful to London Wasps and to Michael for agreeing the loan which the RFU have supported.

I am sure Michael will fit into the team seamlessly. Glenn Delaney

"Michael is an outstanding player, I am sure he will be made very welcome and fit into the team seamlessly.

"Our fixture schedule has been relentless the last few weeks and we needed some extra strength up front to help us through to the end of the season."

Holford will go straight into the Green & Whites side for the game against London Welsh.

He will line up in the front row with Matt Parr and Joe Duffey while Ian Nimmo and Luke Sherriff also return following the midweek win over Sedgley Park.

Tim Molenaar and Jack Cobden return to the backline, as does top try scorer David Jackson.

Nottingham: Jackson, Cobden, Tonks, Molenaar, Dodge, Taylor, Usasz; Parr, Duffey, Holford, Nimmo, Rouse, Sherriff, Hammond, Montagu.
Replacements: Loney, Fowkes, McDonald, Elphinston, Pilgrim, Thompson, Savage.

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