Eight Saints will undergo surgery in the next week, as preparations for the next pre-season already get underway.

Jack Steele (ankle), Max King (shoulder), Brad Crouch (knee), Jack Hayes (knee), Dougal Howard (finger), James Van Es (ankle), Mason Wood (shoulder) and Dan Butler (ankle) will all undergo procedures to ready them for a big summer.

“The surgeries are all reasonably routine,” Acting General Manager of Football David Misson said.

“By getting them done now, we’re confident all players will be ready for full training post-Christmas, with some also being available prior to the new year break.

“This also allows them to have some pain-free time off to relax and recuperate after a long season.”