Saints boss Jim Mallinder wants his youngsters to gain experience

Northampton Saints have set up a player link with Championship side Birmingham and Solihull ahead of the new season.

The deal will see Saints academy players made available to the Bees squad during the campaign.

In return the Birmingham and Solihull boss Russell Earnshaw will help coach the Northampton sevens squad.

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: "Playing in the Championship will help our youngsters develop their understanding of rugby."

He added: "All of the coaches and management at the Saints firmly believe that playing rugby is the best way someone can develop.

For Birmingham and Solihull to be associated with Saints at such a stage in their history is truly a privilege Birmingham and Solihull boss Russell Earnshaw

"But opportunities can sometimes be limited in the Premiership, which is why we have put this link with Birmingham and Solihull in place for the coming season."

The link is a huge boost for the West Midlands side who survived the relegation play-offs last season, despite finishing bottom of the table, at the end of a torrid campaign that almost saw them fold under monetary pressures.

Earnshaw said: "The progress Northampton have shown over the past few years is testimony to the excellent coaching and the winning culture that the coaching team have created.

"For Birmingham and Solihull to be associated with Saints at such a stage in their history is truly a privilege."

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