Mallinder set to offer Tuala extended Saints stay

Tuala arrived in February as injury dispensation for Ben Foden, who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

And the Samoan has made a big impression at Franklin’s Gardens, earning a starting berth ahead of James Wilson in the game against Saracens at the end of last month.

Tuala kept his place for Saturday’s game against London Welsh and scored a try in a man of the match performance.

And Mallinder is keen to keep the 25-year-old Samoan full-back beyond the end of the current campaign.

“He’s justified a contract,” said the director of rugby after the 46-0 win against London Welsh.

“He came here a little bit lacking in the fitness department but we’ve got him into shape. He’s lost quite a bit of weight as you can see.

“He’s now a really good attacking threat and we’ll be looking to contract him for next season.”

And when Mallinder’s words were put to Tuala after the game, the player said: “We’re just sorting stuff out at the moment.

“We’ll see how it goes. Hopefully my family and I can move here and experience Northampton.”