Alex Seville: Exeter's Rob Baxter accuses Northampton of mind games over signing

Alex Seville has made 10 league appearances for Gloucester

Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has accused Northampton Saints of "mind games" ahead of Sunday's European Champions Cup quarter-final.

Saints signed Alex Seville on loan from Gloucester in time for the tie, after European Rugby permitted a rule change.

The EPCR board agreed to allow Saints to register loose-head prop Seville, 22, after 1 September's deadline.

"We made it clear to Northampton we would agree with that [rule change] and support it, and we have," Baxter said.

"I think some of it is a little bit of mind games if I am honest and a scenario that potentially isn't really there when you look at what clubs have been doing in the games anyway.

"You have to get on with it, every club has these challenges at certain times."

Saints had said an injury crisis saw them face the prospect of having only one fit loose-head prop available for the fixture at Sandy Park - 19-year-old rookie Emmanuel Iyogun.

Baxter's comments came after Saints thanked Exeter for their support of the EPCR's rule change.

"We are pleased EPCR have adopted a sensible approach," said Mark Darbon, Saints' chief executive.

"Alex will join up with the squad on Friday and will be available for our quarter-final on Sunday.

"We would like to thank Gloucester. We are also grateful to Exeter Chiefs for the pragmatism they have shown in supporting today's decision."