Seely, who is celebrating his testimonial year this season, made his first appearance for the club against the RAF in the 1993/94 season and has scored 61 tries – the most, by a long way, by any current forward, and currently lies in second place behind Ben Cohen in terms of the entire squad. The 30-year-old has taken the place of Sam Harding, who will start the game on the bench.

Other changes to the team come care of international commitments for Saints’ England duo Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson, and David Quinlan’s Ireland training which means he will not return to the club until tomorrow.

Cohen’s place has been taken by John Rudd, although Sean Lamont will wear the No 11 shirt with Rudd taking the other wing berth. Last weekend’s try-scorer Rhodri Davies will make his first start for Saints in the place of Quinlan and Dan Richmond will start at hooker.

Saints’ newest player Pat Barnard will start on the bench, along with Academy hooker Dylan Hartley, Matt Lord, Harding, Johnny Howard, Quinlan and Seamus Mallon.

Saints go to Vicarage Road this weekend on the back of a disappointing defeat to Bristol Rugby in the European Challenge Cup.

Saints head coach Paul Grayson said: “Last week was nothing more than a blip. We are getting better and better, but it is probably handy to get a slap now and again to remind you of where you are.

“You are only three wins or three losses from one end of the table or the other, and it will probably be like that all season. We have got to pick up points where we can get them.”

Former Wales U21s player Davies, aged 22, said: “I am over the moon to get my first start. I don’t know how much it’s to do with Dave Quinlan being away but I feel I have been doing well. It will be an honour to wear the jersey and to play alongside the likes of Los (Carlos Spencer), Bruiser (Bruce Reihana) and Tom Smith.”

Northampton Saints

15 BRUCE REIHANA (capt)
14 John Rudd
13 Jon Clarke
12 Rhodri Davies
11 SEAN LAMONT
10 CARLOS SPENCER
9 MARK ROBINSON
1 TOM SMITH
2 Dan Richmond
3 Colin Noon
4 Damien Browne
5 DAVID GERARD
6 Grant Seely
7 Darren Fox
8 Daniel Browne

16 Dylan Hartley
17 Pat Barnard
18 Matt Lord
19 SAM HARDING
20 Johnny Howard
21 DAVID QUINLAN
22 Seamus Mallon