Scrum-half Lee Dickson added a third before Jon Clarke scored a dramatic last-minute try for the bonus point.

BBC: Northampton 34-0 Perpignan

The departure of Howard means Dickens will compete with Ben Foden and Lee Dickson for the number nine jersey.

BBC: Dickens replaces Howard at Saints

As the home side continued to push forward, Diggin crossed in the corner, expertly finishing a move started by scrum-half Lee Dickson.

BBC: Northampton Saints 27-21 Exeter Chiefs

New Zealander Reihana made amends somewhat for his boot calamities when he collected scrum-half Lee Dickson's pass to blindside before racing over unopposed.

BBC: Northampton 18-14 Castres