Northampton Saints coach Dorian West says he benefits from working with a team containing many leaders.

Alongside Jim Mallinder and Paul Grayson, the ex-Leicester player has guided Saints into strong positions in the Premiership and both cups.

But West told BBC Radio Northampton: "The players know what's required and know what we've got to do to win.

"More leaders help put things right, and that's why we're improving. There's a lot of direction from the players."

West was an influential figure for Leicester Tigers, under the captaincy of Martin Johnson and the management of Dean Richards.

From 1999 to 2002, they won four consecutive Premiership titles and the Heineken Cup in 2001 and 2002.

"You look back to that Leicester team that I was fortunate enough to play in," added West.

"The team was full of leaders who knew what was needed to win matches. That's got to be an advantage."

Northampton Saints are currently second in the Guinness Premiership, behind their opponents on Saturday, rivals Leicester Tigers. Kick-off is at 1800 GMT.

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