Northampton Saints close in on Tom Pearson after London Irish administration

Northampton Saints are closing in on the signature of highly rated London Irish flanker Tom Pearson after London Irish were suspended from domestic rugby and forced to file for administration.

Although uncapped, Pearson has emerged as one of English rugby’s hottest prospects over the past two seasons. The 23-year-old, alongside fellow former London Irish back-rower Matt Rogerson, is a contender for England’s 2023 World Cup squad, having been included on an extended list of around 70 hopefuls to have been contacted by head coach Steve Borthwick in April and May.

Both Pearson and Rogerson - alongside the rest of the London Irish staff - were left jobless on Tuesday after the Exiles’ suspension from the domestic game was confirmed by the Rugby Football Union.

Telegraph Sport understands, however, that contract talks with Northampton have progressed at pace and a deal could be announced in the next fortnight. Saints have been in the market for a top-class back-five forward after the sudden departure of Australian international Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at the end of last season for personal reasons. “While he enjoyed every moment of his time as a Saint, his family have not settled so far away from home,” said director of rugby, Phil Dowson, of Salakaia-Loto’s exit.

Should a move to Northampton be completed as expected, Pearson will compete with fellow England squad hopefuls Courtney Lawes and Lewis Ludlam - as well as Juarno Augustus, Sam Graham and Angus Scott-Young - for a spot in the starting back-row. The 23-year-old would also join a stable of young English-qualified players at Saints - such as George Furbank, Fraser Dingwall, and Tommy Freeman among others - evidence of the club’s ability to nurture fledgling talent.

Pearson, who was called up to train with England during the 2022 Six Nations by then head coach Eddie Jones, was a key part of Irish’s fifth-placed finish in last season’s Premiership, and was named at flanker in numerous teams of the season, including the sides selected by both BT Sport and Telegraph Sport.

Alongside the likes of Harlequins duo Alex Dombrandt and Luke Northmore, and Wales international Aaron Wainwright, Pearson is a product of the burgeoning production line at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

On Thursday, in an open letter to supporters posted on the club’s website, Mark Darbon, Northampton’s chief executive, said that the Saints still had “a few spaces” in the squad to fill.

“Our recruitment for next season is not yet complete,” said Darbon, “and with a few spaces in our squad still to fill, we are working around the clock to find top-class players who can make a big impact in a Black, Green and Gold jersey.”