'Major injury concerns' for Saints ahead of trip to Bristol

Boyd is down to the bare bones in terms of selection for that game after Ahsee Tuala and Tom Collins were added to the injury list.

Tuala was forced off before the break against Exeter with a groin problem, while Collins also had to depart with what looked to be a bad injury.

Harry Mallinder (knee) and Ollie Sleightholme (hamstring) are already sidelined, while George Furbank is unlikely to be able to start at Bristol as he has been at 15 in two successive matches.

Taqele Naiyaravoro came off the bench against Exeter so he could start at Ashton Gate, while Saints are likely to recall Ryan Olowofela on the other wing, with 19-year-old Senior Academy ace Tommy Freeman potentially at full-back.

"We've actually got some major injury concerns in certain areas, particularly in the back three," Boyd said after the 22-19 defeat to Exeter at Franklin's Gardens.

"I'm not sure how we're going to fix that with only a four-day turnaround.

"We're going to have to promote some youth, which will be really interesting to see.

"We'll certainly roll out the best we can at Bristol on Tuesday night.

"I haven't had a report from the medics, but he (Collins) certainly didn't look great and Ace has got a groin injury.

"Harry's not back obviously and Furbs has played a lot of football so he'll need some time.

"It's going to be an interesting selection meeting."