Premier Rugby to rule on Tonga'uiha

Premier Rugby will set up a formal panel in an attempt to resolve the bitter dispute between Northampton and Saracens over prop Soane Tonga'uiha.

Northampton announced last week that Tonga'uiha had agreed a new three-year deal with them. This followed Saracens' capture of him two months previously, when they revealed a five-year contract starting next term.

The tug-of-war has seen both Guinness Premiership title rivals become involved in fierce verbal exchanges.

It prompted Premier Rugby, the umbrella organisation for England's 12 top-flight clubs, to step in and stage a meeting with both clubs.

"Premier Rugby met this morning (Thursday) with Northampton Saints and Saracens to review the issues in dispute over the contractual situation of Soane Tonga'uiha," Premier Rugby said in a statement.

"The dispute will now be heard by a formal panel. The date of the panel will be announced in due course.

"Northampton Saints and Saracens have agreed to make no further comment until the conclusion of that meeting."

Tonga'uiha, man of the match when Northampton lifted the LV= Cup last month, is expected to be in Saints' starting line-up for their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Munster in Limerick on Saturday.