| Dutch wing Visser and former England Schools hooker Batty (both 20) joined the Saints from today as they embark on the road back to the Guinness Premiership following last season’s relegation from the top tier.
Both Visser and Batty starred for the Falcons in their recent Middlesex Sevens win at Twickenham, with Newcastle director of rugby John Fletcher setting up the deal to give game time to two of his most promising young stars.
A former Northampton player himself, Fletcher said: “Tim and Ross are both outstanding prospects, and six weeks of hopefully getting regular game time in National One will do them the world of good with no Guinness A League fixtures scheduled during the World Cup.
“Northampton are well aware of both players’ talents, they were keen to get them on board and we believe the lads will benefit from the experience of going down there and getting games.”
The move continues the Falcons’ policy of securing regular game time for their top young players, with lock Sean Tomes currently on loan at National League One side Doncaster Knights, and the trio of Eni Gesinde, Ed Williamson and Johnny Williams spending time with Cornish Pirates.
Ironically Visser and Batty’s first game for the Saints could come against the Pirates this Sunday, as Northampton make the trip to Cornwall’s Recreation Ground.
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