Shepherd Saints move off

Northampton Saints have pulled out of signing Western Force full-back Cameron Shepherd because of worries over his fitness.

The transfer was first announced back in May but now Saints say the deal is off after medical officials advised the club against signing him ahead of the new Aviva Premiership season. Director of rugby Jim Mallinder was disappointed the move had collapsed but said it was important they knew the full extent of the 28-year-old's fitness and injury problems. "We needed more certainty about his ability to handle the tough demands of our long season," Mallinder said. "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 have made several summer signings with James Wilson, Dominic Waldouck, Luther Burrell, Sam Dickinson, Gerrit-Jan van Velze and Ken Pisi all joining the ranks.