Harrison: I’ll play my heart out to keep Saints starting spot

Teimana Harrison has been in superb form since breaking into the Saints team (picture: Kirsty Edmonds)

The 23-year-old has risen to prominence in recent weeks with stellar displays in the win at Bath and the back-to-back Champions Cup clashes with Racing 92.

Harrison was named man of the match in the 9-9 draw with the Top 14 giants at Franklin’s Gardens last Friday.

And he will now be desperate to maintain his good form as he looks to keep the likes of Calum Clark and Tom Wood, who are both currently nursing shoulder injuries, out of the seven shirt.

“I’m hoping to secure a spot in the Saints team and I’m just taking it week by week, playing my heart out and hopefully coming out with a good result,” Harrison said.

“It’s a bit frustrating hanging around, waiting for that shot – it might only come once a year – so I’ve got to take it.”

Harrison’s all-action showing was key as Saints recovered from a 33-3 defeat in France to hold Racing last week.

The result means Jim Mallinder’s men, who return to Aviva Premiership action at London Irish on Saturday, are still in contention in Pool 3.

Saints currently sit two points behind Racing, with games against Glasgow Warriors and Scarlets to come in the new year.

And Harrison said: “I still think it’s in our own hands.

“We’ll take it week by week and give it a good go against Glasgow at home then we’re off to the Scarlets, so we’ll see what happens.”