Hartley, who was born in Rotorua but has represented England from under-19 level up, is one of six uncapped players in Johnson's first squad since being appointed team manager.

The 22-year-old has been included despite spending this season outside of the Guinness Premiership helping Saints win promotion back to the top flight.

Hartley's last taste of action was in the Saints' thumping 81-0 win over Launceston.

His next could be in the first Test against the All Blacks in Auckland on June 14, but Johnson is not concerned about the vast gap in quality between international rugby and National League One.

"We think he is up to it. We wouldn't have chosen him otherwise," said Johnson.

"Dylan has long been seen as a potential international player. He has been on the radar.

"He obviously spent this year in the first division with Northampton but I speak to (Saints coach) Dorian West quite a lot and he always mentions him, even when I don't prompt him. This is his first opportunity."

After bursting onto the Guinness Premiership scene last year, Hartley would have been in England's World Cup training squad had he not received a 26-week ban for 'gouging' two Wasps players.

He returned to action in October and made 25 appearances during the Saints' unbeaten season, scoring five tries.

After playing for England Under-19 and under-21s Hartley graduated to the England Saxons for the 2007 Six Nations in which he scored tries in both of his appearances against Italy and Ireland.

This season Hartley played for the Saxons against Ireland at Welford Road and he has been included in the squad alongside Bath's in-form hooker Lee Mears and the similarly uncapped David Paice from London Irish.