Saracens face battle with Saints over Soane Tonga'uiha

Tonga'uiha initially agreed to sign for Saracens from Saints in January

Saracens coach Brendan Ventner says he is looking forward to seeing forward Soane Tonga'uiha at pre-season training as the row over his future rumbles on.

The Tongan, 28, agreed a contract with Sarries in January before the prop said he wanted to remain at Northampton.

"He has a legally binding contract," said Ventner. I don't know what all the fuss is about.

"Three months ago, he was unbelievably keen to come to us and saying how much better we were than Northampton."

Speaking after Saracens 29-28 defeat by Gloucester, Ventner added: "If you have got a contract, then you have a contract - it's as simple as that. We start on the fifth of July and I expect him to be there.

"That's the way I understand it which is why I have not interfered. I can't see it being any different.

Premier Rugby have called a meeting next week between the Saracens and Northampton to clear the matter up.

Sarries chief executive Edward Griffiths says the prop's new deal is illegal and irrelevant and has taken up Tonga'uiha's U-turn with the governing body of the Guinness Premiership, who have now asked for written reports from both clubs.

"Premier Rugby are planning to resolve this situation through mediation," said Griffiths. "And, for the sake of club rugby in England, we look forward to a swift resolution.

"But this situation remains remarkably uncomplicated. Soane and Saracens have signed a legal document, and the opening clause reads... 'this document is drawn up to show the terms that have been agreed by the Club and the Player and is legally binding'. I am not sure what part of that is unclear.

606: DEBATE

Wonder where this leaves Tom Mercey. He doesnt seem to be getting any gametime at Saracens but now he probably wont get any at Northampton either. I wonder if he can find a similar "loophole" that Tonga'uiha did.

I-am-spartacus

"Northampton's new contract with Soane is illegal and irrelevant and a proud Premiership club has brought our game into disrepute.

"They have shown complete contempt for legality, justice and integrity and have made themselves look like the ultimate April fools. We must now decide whether we operate a league where signed agreements mean something and are respected, or whether we have chaos.

"We have a written agreement with Soane," Griffiths told BBC Radio Northampton on Wednesday.

"Northampton are trying to distinguish between a heads of terms agreement and a full written contract - that's splitting hairs.

"A contract remains a contract. If the roles were reversed, and Saracens had contacted the player and said 'we reached an agreement, but we don't feel like it,' the reaction quite rightly would be outrage.

"For the integrity of the league, and of club rugby in England, we insist on our position."

It has been my decision and my decision alone to stay.

Soane Tonga'uiha

Tonga'uiha has blossomed into one of the most effective players in the Guinness Premiership since moving to Franklin's Gardens from Bedford in 2006.

He has now made over 100 appearances for the club, scoring his third try of the season in last weekend's 30-24 LV= Cup final win against Gloucester.

And he has made it clear that he wants to remain at Northampton.

"I'm very happy to sign again with Saints," said Tonga'uiha. "It has been my decision and my decision alone to stay.

"We're very settled in the area as a family, which means a lot to me as well."

Saints chief executive Allan Robson understands why Sarries are upset over the Tongan international's change of heart.

"Saracens are obviously disappointed Soane will not be joining them," he said.

"Soane had strong personal reasons for his change of heart and I am delighted he is staying with us.

"Once he had made this known to us and he was able to confirm that he had not signed a contract with Saracens and was free to sign with Saints we did not hesitate to offer him a deal."