Saints took home a double last season, winning the Challenge Cup but more importantly claiming the big prize – the Premiership title – at Twickenham. On that day it was Northampton who were the better side, but over the course of the year it was actually Saracens who led the way, something Jim Mallinder will be aiming to rectify this time around. With next to no changes in the squad makeup during the off-season, it’s pretty easy to predict another strong year at Franklin’s Gardens.

Setting the platform is a powerful group of forwards who aren’t the biggest, and on paper aren’t the most menacing, but are very well drilled by forwards coach Dorian West and feature one of the best lineouts in Europe. Samu Manoa and Sam Dickinson are brutal ball carriers while Christian Day is among the top unsung heroes in the Premiership. Their second row numbers look a little thin this year, though the likes of Dickinson and Calum Clark can fill in should there be a pressing need.

The halfbacks are arguably the best in England, and certainly the best scrumhalf pairing, with Samoan ace Kahn Fotuali’i and club stalwart Lee Dickson duking it out for playing time. Stephen Myler is a top grade flyhalf, but behind him there is a bit of a worry. Will Hooley and Sam Olver don’t appear quite ready, and Joel Hodgson has been brought in from Newcastle, though he certainly isn’t in the same league as Myler.

Wider out there are no such problems, with world class talents like the Pisi brothers and of course George North, but also some outstanding youngsters. Jamie Elliott continues to push on while last year saw both Tom Stephenson in the midfield and utility back Tom Collins emerge as legitimate contenders for first team action. Add in versatile James Wilson and forgotten man Dominic Waldouck, and there aren’t too many gripes to be made about depth in the backs.

While there’s a little room to worry about possible injuries at lock or flyhalf, barring catastrophe the Saints will be in the thick of things once again. Other clubs have added big names, but a settled squad should, if anything, be a boon for Mallinder’s men, with his willingness to give the academy graduates a go meaning the senior players have to keep on their toes. Look for a repeat of last year, a top-two placing, a spot in the final, and a real crack at European glory.

HEAD COACH – Jim Mallinder

Always well-spoken with a bit of Ian McGeechan about him, yet clearly passionate and intensely focussed at the job of winning, the former long-time Sale fullback commands tremendous respect throughout England for his rugby brain. Always seems to get the best out of his star players in the Saints jersey, which can’t be said for a lot of other coaches. The results speak for themselves, really, and should Stuart Lancaster ever tire of the England him, there’s a pretty good candidate hanging around Franklin’s Gardens.

CAPTAIN – Dylan Hartley

There is no more antagonizing figure in the Premiership, outside of maybe a certain pugnacious coach at a nearby club, and yet few more fiercely competitive. The fulcrum of the Saints’ scrum has been their captain going on six years now. Love him or hate him, and only a true Northampton fan could love him, he is top class at his position and should be around for a few years yet.

KEY PLAYER – Stephen Myler

Sandwiched amist the brutes up front and the rocket men out wide is one of the most consistent performers in the country. His knowledge of the game and supreme temperament under pressure makes him an absolutely critical cog in the wheel. Given that behind him are two very green apprentices, ‘Smyler’ is very likely to repeat his unbelievable 1800 minutes of Premiership rugby once again.

ONE TO WATCH – Tom Collins

It was a breakthrough season for the versatile academy graduate, starting a half-dozen matches in the Premiership and a couple more in the Heineken Cup. Blessed with pace, footballing skills, and no shortage of confidence, he looks a real find, capable of high level performance all across the backline. His absence from the victorious England u20 side was a surprise, though a solid off-season in the gym will no doubt have put him in good nick to challenge for a more permanent position in the senior side.

BIG SIGNING – Cameron Dolan

A bit of a cheat selection given that he was actually signed mid-way through last season but didn’t see any action until this pre-season. There’s no doubting his athletic class, with the pace of a winger and the height to dominate the lineout. Already a standout at international level for the Eagles, his only knock is perhaps a lack of doggedness. If the Saints can work that into him, they could have themselves another American gem.

SIGNIFICANT TRANSFERS

IN – Jonathan Fisher (London Irish), Joel Hodgson (Newcastle)

OUT – G.J. van Velze (Worcester), Paul Diggin (retired), Fa’atoina Autagavaia (Nevers)