Saints chairman Keith Barwell said: “Matt is the young prop who seriously injured himself here at Franklin’s Gardens while training with the England U21s squad. Ten months later, he still has no movement below the neck and cannot breathe for more than 10 minutes without a respirator.

“Progress is slow and it is unlikely he will ever regain the use of his limbs. We hope and pray that Matt makes a full recovery and intend, along with all the Premiership clubs, to make a definite attempt to help. I’ll be ashamed if we raise less than £10,000 through this event.”

The club are hoping to secure a veterans fixture as a curtain-raiser to the main event. Saints have an active Old Boys team with players such as Saints legends Gary Pearce and Harvey Thorneycroft, England physio Phil Pask and Saints assistant coach Paul Larkin in their midst.

Tickets for this event will cost £8 adults and £5 juniors/concessions for season ticket holders who buy before Monday, February 20, and £10 and £6 after this date and for other supporters. 

Both these games will follow an 125th anniversary gala dinner on Wednesday, March 22.

Commercial director Allan Robson said: “This traditional black tie event will have all the current squad and many players from the club’s past here. This will include a sumptuous five-course meal and a chance to reminisce over the 125-year history of one of rugby’s greatest clubs for just £60.”

Tickets for the gala dinner will be sold on a first come, first served basis and are available by calling Shobha Aranha on 01604 751543 or emailing her on shobhaaranha@northamptonsaints.co.uk.