Mallinder has seven of his players in the England and Saxons squads

Northampton Saints director Jim Mallinder admits international call-ups are hitting his side hard.

Saints rested hooker Dylan Hartley for the loss by Harlequins, while Ben Foden, Chris Ashton and Courtney Lawes trained with England during the week.

Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton: "It's very hard in these weeks. We're not seeing much of them and then they're coming straight back to play.

"It's not easy to get them working in your system, but you go with it."

Saints had won their last six matches in the Guinness Premiership before the 13-6 defeat at Quins.

"I hate losing. It's hard to take but it happens," added Mallinder.

"But we've picked up a [losing] bonus point and we'll come back stronger."

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