British and Irish Lions

Mallinder has signed a three-year contract and will be assisted at Franklin's Gardens by Dorian West.

The pair led the England Saxons to victory in the Barclays Churchill Cup at Twickenham last weekend.

Following Northampton's request, the Rugby Football Union have granted Mallinder and West early release from their positions at the national academy.

With Mallinder taking up his post immediately, acting head coach Peter Sloane will leave the club.

Northampton were in the market for a new director of rugby after Paul Grayson was moved to backs and skills coach following the Saints' relegation from the Guinness Premiership.

Michael Hooper believes the British & Irish Lions' defeat to the Brumbies has given the Qantas Wallabies a boost ahead of Saturday's first Test in Brisbane.

Less than 24 hours after losing their unbeaten record in Canberra, the British & Irish Lions were given a huge boost on arrival in Brisbane when Wales wing George North was declared fit to play in the first Test on Saturday.

Qantas Wallaby wonder scrum half Will Genia is ready to torment the British & Irish Lions and end any hopes of a first Test series win in 16 years this month.