Rugby evening headlines as Rhys Patchell's tour in balance and Wales star becomes 'exceptional' in England

Here are the latest rugby evening headlines on Tuesday, May 24.

Ugo Monye has hailed Wales centre Nick Tompkins as "outstanding" after he provided the spark to inspire Saracens to a 42-38 comeback victory against Northampton Saints at the weekend, which booked Sarries a home semi-final in the Gallagher Premiership.

Mark McCall's side ran in five second-half tries to ensure the last-four clash will be held in north London. It was an impressive turnaround after Sarries' error-strewn opening half, which left them trailing by a point despite two yellow cards for Saints. But Tompkins, Alex Lewington and Theo McFarland raced Saracens 28-10 ahead, with McFarland's second and a fifth try from Alex Goode securing the win.

Former England and Lions star turned pundit Monye hailed Tompkins, 27, and agreed he has been in fine form since returning to the Saracens from his loan spell at the Dragons.

"Nick Tompkins, by the way, if [André] Esterhuizen has been a revelation, Nick Tompkins isn't a revelation because we've known about him for quite a while... [but has had a great season]," Monye told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

"I think he had a tough first few caps. His first cap for Wales, outstanding, and then I think he found it a little bit tricky and difficult. Outstanding [ever since coming back from the Dragons] in the same way Brad Barritt was such a lynchpin for that Saracens team. He's doing it in his way but having as equal an impact within that backline and I think he's exceptional."

Saracens visit Gloucester on Saturday, June 4, to round off their regular Gallagher Premiership campaign. Sarries are second in the table, three points behind table toppers Leicester who are on 90 points.

Rhys Patchell remains part of Wales'