Lawes relishes Northampton return

Lawes is expected to face Harlequins on Saturday

Northampton Saints lock Courtney Lawes is looking forward to returning to Guinness Premiership action after a spell with the England team.

Lawes made his international debut against Australia but was released from the squad by Martin Johnson this week.

The 20-year-old told BBC Radio Northampton: "It's always good to be back here.

"The coaches are great - everyone's confident in what we're doing and where we're going as a team."

Lawes added: "Every player wants to go out and give their all for the club.

"Being with England has been a good experience. I didn't think I'd make the team this year but I'm glad I have, and it's given me a big confidence boost.

"I'm not going to say I shouldn't have been there because I believe I do have the talent."

Lawes made it onto the pitch for the last 12 minutes of England's 18-9 defeat against the Wallabies at Twickenham, replacing Leicester's Louis Deacon.

"I wasn't nervous really - just excited about getting on the pitch and seeing what it was all about, " he said.