Spencer has been instrumental in Northampton's promotion success

Northampton fly-half Carlos Spencer believes the club's stint in League One has been a benefit to them.

Saints secured promotion back to the Premiership with still four games left by beating Exeter on Saturday.

Spencer told BBC Radio Northampton: "It hasn't been easy but we needed it and we'll become a better side for it."

A resurgent Northampton can make it a season to remember by beating Exeter in the EDF Energy Trophy final at Twickenham on 12 April.