Lawes boost for Saints

Northampton boss Jim Mallinder has confirmed that Courtney Lawes will be ready to return to action for the start of the season.

The versatile forward hasn't played since the Saints' New Year's Day win against Newcastle due to a shin injury which caused him to miss both the Six Nations and the recent tour to South Africa. However, after months of rehab, he is now back in full training and Mallinder is expecting him to be back to his athletic best once the season starts in September. "Courtney Lawes had the all clear last week so he's now back in full training," he told the Northamptonshire Telegraph. "We're looking forward to him playing in August, in the pre-season games. He'll be fully fit and ready to go in September."