Rugby:Northampton have confirmed that their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Ulster will be staged at the 21,500 capacity Stadium:mk in Milton Keynes. The Saints' home ground, Franklin's Gardens, does not meet the 15,000 capacity required by the organisers for quarter-final matches.

Franklin’s Gardens, has a capacity of just 13,591 and the club were unable to construct temporary seating as it would have blocked the view from their corporate section. Northampton had been keen to remain on home soil but were refused special dispensation play the match at Franklin’s Gardens by the ERC.

"The regulation is clear and they've refused us,” Northampton chief executive, Allan Robson said last night. “We're not afraid of playing Ulster at Stadium:mk. It's a matter of making it our home for the day.

“We know very well that we normally sell out Franklin's Gardens for what you'd call an ordinary game. For a quarter-final of the Heineken Cup, with a 21,500 capacity, I expect to sell it out."

Northampton’s players had felt keeping the match at their home ground would have afforded the Pool One winners an added advantage.

“It certainly would give us an edge playing at the Gardens,” said Bruce Reihana ahead of last night’s decision. “It is special at the Gardens and to have a quarter-final there would be great for us and our crowd. It is a bit of a daunting place to come to and the fans are very passionate about their rugby.

“We will get a sell-out. So it would be nice for everybody to be at home. If we can get it at home that would be awesome, but if we get it at Milton Keynes we will do our best to make it our home.”