Day has made 32 appearances for Saints, scoring one try

Northampton Saints academy development and recruitment manager Dusty Hare says lock forward Christian Day can play an important role this season.

The 27-year-old joined the Saints from Stade Francais in 2008, following seven years at Sale Sharks.

Hare told BBC Radio Northampton: "We have signed new players but don't forget Christian Day.

"He was playing very well and pushing Juandre Kruger until he got injured. I think this will be his big season."

Hare also predicts that 20-year-old Joe Ford will provide competition for the two first-team fly-halves at Franklin's Gardens this season.

"Joe is a young man, and it'll take him a bit of time to bed down at fly-half," said Hare.

"He needs to get to know the Northampton style. But once he begins to do that, he can push Stephen Myler and Shane Geraghty."

The Saints squad are currently training in France, ahead of their second pre-season friendly against Dax on Friday.

Hare will have the opportunity to cast his eye over the academy prospects when the Saints Under-19s play their counterparts from Leinster on Friday, 27 August, prior to a first XV fixture against Viadana at Franklin's Gardens.

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