Cameron Shepherd move to Northampton Saints is off

Northampton Saints have cancelled the signing of Western Force full-back Cameron Shepherd over fitness concerns.

Saints announced the signing in May but now say his three-year contract was "subject to a number of conditions".

The club state that their medical team have recommended against bringing the 28-year-old to Franklin's Gardens.

"We needed more certainty about his ability to handle the tough demands of our long season," director of rugby Jim Mallinder said.

Analysis

Image of James Burridge James Burridge BBC Look East

The decision by Saints is unsurprising given the player's recent medical history and the nature of the salary cap.

A club can't afford to be carrying an expensive but potentially injury-prone player.

Rugby is a brutal business and Saints need their best players fit. Shepherd may be a classy player, but he wasn't worth the risk.

"Obviously it is important to believe we will get the most out of our squad throughout the season.

"We know Cameron has ability and are confident that he will be with another club soon.

"But while we are disappointed that Cameron will not be joining us we are nevertheless very confident in the ability of our squad to compete in every competition this coming season."

Saints' new recruits for next season are James Wilson, Dominic Waldouck, Luther Burrell, Sam Dickinson, Gerrit-Jan van Velze and Ken Pisi.

"They have settled in well, bonded with the rest of the squad and worked very hard in pre-season training and we are all looking forward to the start of the season," said Mallinder.