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Northampton may face an investigation by European Cup chiefs for fielding a weakened team
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Saints were thrashed 60-13 in the Champions Cup by Leinster on Saturday
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The Premiership side rested Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Luther Burrell and Louis Picamoles
Northampton Saints could be facing an investigation into an allegation of fielding a weakened team against Leinster on Saturday evening.
The Premiership side rested Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Luther Burrell and Louis Picamoles for the trip to Dublin.
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) officials will routinely examine all team selections before deciding whether Northampton have a case to answer.
This latest potential issue will come as yet another blow to under-pressure director of rugby Jim Mallinder, who continues to defend his players and his position despite growing criticism from club supporters.
EPCR will make a decision on whether to investigate the Saints on Monday.
That is the same day Northampton are expected to find out whether they face sanction over the handling of George North’s head injury in the recent Premiership match with Leicester.