Mallinder impressed with new Saints coach King

King arrived at Franklin’s Gardens from Heineken Cup runners-up Clermont Auvergne this summer.

The former Wasps and England fly-half had spent six years as a player and coach at the French club, helping them become one of the most feared attacking units in European rugby.

And he is now starting to work his magic at Saints, with Mallinder full of belief that the 38-year-old can take the club to the next level.

“He’s added something different, which is what we wanted,” said the director of rugby.

“With his experience playing out in France, with his experience of playing for Wasps, he’s picked up a lot of good ideas.

“He’s been involved with some good teams, some good players and, as important, some really good coaches.

“He loves coaching, he loves the coaching process and he’s brought all these new ideas that he’s slowly sharing with us.

“I’m sure it will take a bit of time, he’s not had many rugby sessions with the team, but he’s added to what we’ve already got.

“We’re not a bad side, we played well last season, but with Alex’s influence it will take us that step further.”