Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder says that his squad are well equipped to deal with international call-ups.

Courtney Lawes is the latest player to be retained by England, despite Saints believing he was available for their Premiership match with Newcastle.

Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton: "It's never easy. Players come and go, and get used to different systems.

"It's difficult for them but it's part of rugby now, and we do our best to integrate them as quickly as we can."

Mallinder says he has the squad to cope without key players.

"It is difficult to plan but you make sure you have the right squad," he added.

"Joe Ansbro has come in and had two fantastic games. We're lucky we've got players in those positions."

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