Cohen praises Saints

Ben Cohen was quick to praise his club colleagues after his England recall.

Ben Cohen was quick to pay tribute to his Northampton colleagues after receiving news of his recall to the England squad.

Cohen had been left out of the initial list named by Andy Robinson in September, but a blistering start to the season has seen the powerful wing force his way back into the international reckoning.

Six tries already this season is a marker of the form that the 27-year-old is in, but Cohen is keen to highlight the effect of the Saints' coaching and playing staff.

A delighted Cohen said: I was really surprised to hear the news and I am chuffed.

"I saw rugby as just a job last year and one I did not enjoy, but now I am enjoying my rugby because it is a sport that I love and I feel this is the best I have ever been coached.

"The set-up here has been brilliant and the stuff we are doing is great. We have got a bunch of players here who are willing to learn and have a great work ethic. They are always doing extras.

"Saints are far from the complete and finished outfit but we are playing a lot better than we did last year and it is nice be to a part of that.

"I have not scored tries like I have this season for a long time and it is such a confidence boost, especially to score the third at the weekend.

"But I cannot take the credit myself; all the boys have been helping me just as we all help each other."

Cohen will now hope that he can push on from his fine start to the season, adding to his chances of a place in the England first XV by scoring tries at Bristol on Sunday.