Courtney Los will make a timely return to Northampton on Friday night, with the Saints set to begin their latest European campaign after a 10-game losing streak.

Following an ankle injury in September, the East Midlands club will be relieved to have their veteran England forward again, which has kept him out of the recent Autumn Nation Cup. Wales fly-half Dan Bigar will also be on duty in front of 2,000 fans at Franklin Garden for the Heineken Champions Cup clash with Bordeaux.

How Northampton need a win to restore broken morale. Chris Boyd lost 10 consecutive Premiership games – and was forced to lose another due to COVID.

Their opponents from France included Cameron Walke, who had a stellar performance against England last Sunday, but Twickenham-based galley playmaker Matthew Jalibert starts on the bench.

Boyd hopes Friday’s matches will help revive his fighting saints.

‘Maybe Europe came at the right time,’ said the Kiwi rugby director. “We get a fresh start against Bordeaux, and we’re welcome three or four key players, which will change the dynamics.” That definitely needs to change. Soon.

Meanwhile, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep the 47-year-old in his place until the end of the next World Cup in 2023.

Ospreys have revealed that Wales captain Alon Vine Jones will be out for weeks following a knee injury sustained against Italy last weekend. At this point, it is not clear whether his participation in the six countries is in jeopardy.

Veteran England forward available again in September following an ankle injury