Director of rugby Budge Pountney said: “We have been very fortunate to secure an earlier than expected release for Sam. We look forward to welcoming him to our squad and to the Gardens. He will be a very useful edition to our back-row, as he is comfortable playing in all three positions.”

Harding will get an early introduction to life at Franklin’s Gardens when he, and the rest of the squad, attends the Wanderers’ local derby against Leicester’s second team on Monday night – KO 7.30pm.

Saints are also on the hunt for a lock, to replace the injured James Percival, and to sign this player ahead of the European Challenge Cup registration deadline on September 29.