Mallinder has guided the Saints to third in the Guinness Premiership

Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder says he is pleased to have key players back in the squad.

Saints can select from a full-strength squad, other than the injured Paul Diggin and Ignacio Fernández Lobbe.

Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton: "We have struggled without a tighthead prop, so it's pleasing to have Santiago Bonorino and Euan Murray back.

"It's a boost when players return, and it makes it good for selection because we need players pushing each other."

Shane Geraghty and Dylan Hartley are the last to return from the England camp, joining fellow elite player squad team-mates Courtney Lawes and Ben Foden back at Franklin's Gardens.

"Although it's always disappointing to lose players to [international] selection, you know it's because they're playing well," Mallinder added.

"All of them have trained really well and they're looking forward to helping us get a good win up at Newcastle."

Brian Mujati is also set to return from suspension in time for the Guinness Premiership match with Bath.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version