Saints boosted by return of key duo ahead of Saracens showdown

HE'S BACK - Luther Burrell has been released by England in time to play for Saints against Saracens on Saturday (picture: Linda Dawson)

But Dylan Hartley, Tom Wood, Courtney Lawes and Lee Dickson have been retained ahead of the Red Rose’s opening QBE International against Australia on November 2.

Alex Corbisiero, who is also part of the national squad, continues to recover from a knee injury and is expected to be out for between two to four weeks.

Burrell, who has been involved in the training camp at Leeds, is one of 10 men sent back to their clubs in time to play in the Premiership this weekend.

Saracens will be bolstered by the return of full-back Alex Goode, while Dave Attwood, Tom Johnson, Freddie Burns, Danny Care, Kyle Eastmond, Matt Kvesic and Christian Wade have also been released.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “It has been good to get into camp and spend some time with the players. I have met all of them individually and today they had forwards’ and backs’ meetings and a positive training session at West Park, Leeds.

“Under the terms of the Elite Player Squad agreement we are releasing 10 players back, some of whom will play in the Aviva Premiership this weekend.

“There are still places to play for and we won’t finalise the side to play Australia until much closer to the game, not least because of the matches this coming weekend, so it’s a chance for those going back to stake a final claim for inclusion in the 23.”