New prop Corbisiero can feel Saints’ expectation

The England loosehead prop, who was part of the British & Irish Lions side that slayed Australia this summer, has moved to Franklin’s Gardens from London Irish.

He will battle with Alex Waller for the No.1 shirt at Northampton following Tongan titan Soane Tonga’uiha’s move to Racing Metro.

And much is expected of Corbisiero, who is eager to ensure his new club go one better than last season, when they lost in the Aviva Premiership final to Leicester.

“They showed what they’re really capable of when they got to the top four and the business time of it,” the 24-year-old told the Chron.

“They showed heart in that final and they’re going to be frustrated they didn’t get to where they wanted to be.

“They’re going to be looking to get up there again and people will expect us to get up there again.

“With the squad we’ve got and the new guys we’ve got coming in, it’s going to be the aim for us to do that again.”

And he added: “Everyone’s been really excited for what’s coming this season. It’s a real good town, there’s a great fanbase behind this rugby club and everyone lives and breathes it.

“From the players and the whole area there’s an expectation that something’s coming this season so I’m really looking forward to it.”