Over the past few weeks there has been plenty of speculation about Foden’s future following the announcement of his move to Franklin’s Gardens. He will join the Saints as a scrum-half, the position where he played England age group rugby, and yesterday told the Stockport Express that he “has to stick by his decision”.

“It is quite novel to have two teams fighting over you,” he said. “I signed the contract with Northampton a while ago now. Sale, at the time of the contract [negotiations], showed that they wanted to keep me as a player but I had an interest in playing in other positions. I’ve got to keep to the contract and stick by my decision and hopefully it will be the right one.

“There is always a bit of doubt in anyone’s mind but as a professional player I need to go to Northampton with a clear head and make sure I’m focused on what I’m going to go and do there.”