Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder is predicting big things from young outside centre Joe Ansbro this season.

"He's a young lad coming through who is a really good up-and-coming prospect," Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton.

"I know there has been a lot of chat about our young English lads, [Ben] Foden's one, [Dylan] Hartley is another [and] Chris Ashton is another.

"We've got a number of young lads who might surprise a few people."

Northampton returned to the Premiership after winning every single game on their way to the National League One title last season.

The Saints begin the new campaign against Worcester on Sunday, 7 September.