Saints march in to aid Carnegie

Carnegie have signed scrum-half Joel Hodgson, 22, and lock Tom Ryder, 30.

Newcastle-born Hodgson - who spent time on a dual registration with Rotherham Titans – joins on a one-year contract.

He moved to Franklins Gardens last summer from home town club Newcastle Falcons and played 10 times in the Premiership in his last season at Newcastle

Hodgson represented England U18 while studying at Newcastle’s Royal Grammar School.

Scottish international second-row Tom Ryder joined Northampton midway through this season from Glasgow Warriors. He has agreed a two-year deal at Headingley Carnegie.

Carnegie head coach Bryan Redpath said: “Joel and Tom are Premiership quality players and I am delighted that they have agreed to join us.

“Joel is a very talented scrum half who can also cover ten whilst Tom has vast experience, in particular with Saracens and Glasgow.

“Both will be key additions to the players we already have at the club for next season.”