Saints star Pearson 'in a good place' after rare chance to properly recharge the batteries

But, having not found his way into the England squad for the Guinness Six Nations and with Saints playing PREM Rugby Cup games during that period, Pearson has been able to get his body right ahead of what promises to be a brutal block of games for the black, green and gold.

Phil Dowson's men return to Gallagher PREM action with a home encounter against Newcastle Red Bulls on Saturday before travelling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to take on Saracens in a mouth-watering match-up.

They then return to Investec Champions Cup action with a round of 16 game against Castres Olympique at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens at the start of April.

So they will need as many of their key men fit and firing in the weeks ahead - and Pearson is certainly one of them.

The 26-year-old has been one of the stars of the season so far, making 13 appearances as he has helped Saints hit the top in the PREM and reach the knockout stages in Europe.

And Pearson feels in perfect shape to continue that form after some careful management from the Saints coaches in recent months.

"It’s been kind of strange but quite nice in a way," said Pearson.

"The focus has shifted a bit, in terms of trying to get myself in the best possible physical condition, trying to bring the training level in the week and just generally giving my body a bit of a rest before this last run-in.

"I feel like I’m in a good place now to end the season well."

Pearson's only appearance since Saints last played in the PREM, at Sale Sharks on January 24, was a cameo from the bench in a cup win against Saracens on February 28.

So how has he spent his time with so few matches to focus on?

"During the week I would say it’s still pretty intense," Pearson explained. "You’re still in the middle of the season – you’re not in your off-season – so you’ve still got to take it very seriously, keep working on yourself and push yourself in the gym, which builds you a good base for the rest of the year.

"Monday to Friday you’re putting in the work then you know you’ve got the brutality of the match at the weekend which is when you know you can rest a little bit afterwards."

With several of Saints' senior stars putting their feet up at weekends, some younger members of the squad have been given the chance to step up.

And they have done just that, with teenagers such as Jack Lewis and Charlie Ulcoq catching the eye in the back row as the black, green and gold reached the semi-finals in the PREM Rugby Cup.

"I think it’s great to see," Pearson said.

"Jack Lewis’ first 80 minutes was here against an 80 per cent strength Saracens team and I thought he played really well and didn’t look out of place at all, considering he’s 17.

"For me personally, I wouldn’t have been anywhere near that at 17, but I thought he was great and I thought Pates (James Pater) at 10 bossed it. He’s had some great performances off the tee, organising the attack and stuff. He’s a real talent for the future and one to keep an eye on.

"It was great to see Charlie Ulcoq play as well – he’s in his second year now and it’s great to see him get an opportunity and take that opportunity."

So have the youngsters made Pearson feel old?

"It does seem that way, yeah!" he said, smiling.

"Jack Lewis is away captaining his school this week – they’ve got a really big game, NSB (Northampton School for Boys).

"They must be doing really well, so it will be great to see some of those lads make me feel even older."

With the youngsters showing what they're made of, Saints have built up their reserves for the battles to come.

And Pearson said: "We’ve got great squad depth this year, so not having the international players for some games is not the end of the world and guys have taken opportunities in the PREM and helped us to some great wins, so I’m excited to see how they go.

"It’s disappointing we’ve had people like Colesy (Alex Coles) picking up injuries, but it will be great to have the rest of the guys back in.

"I think it’s important that as soon as they do come back they’re made to feel like Saintsmen again and we make them feel as connected as possible to the squad, and then get them back on the pitch."

Saints return to PREM action on Saturday knowing they are there to be shot at as they currently top the table with eight regular-season matches still to play.

"I think it’s been brilliant," said Pearson, reflecting on the league campaign so far.

"Our home form has definitely been there or thereabouts and we’ve picked up some scalps away from home as well, so I’ve been really happy with it and it’s exciting now for the rest of the season.

"I said to the boys this week that as the weather improves the style of our play is only going to improve as well.

"It was nice this week to be able to chuck the ball around in 15 or 16 degrees, in the sunshine, with a completely dry ball and we looked a completely different team, so that’s exciting."

And Saints are desperate to continue to deliver in the Champions Cup, having reached the final last season.

"With the Champions Cup, we’ve got Castres here in a couple of weeks which is really exciting, then obviously we want to go one better than we did last year," Pearson said.

"Again, it’s going to be a tough challenge on both fronts, but it’s one we’re excited for."

Excitement is clearly the key theme this week as the serious stuff starts again.

And Pearson added: "It’s been coming and it’s been at the back of everyone’s minds and we just want to go from where we left off and continue that stretch at the top of the table.

"We’ve got some great games to play and we’re really looking forward to this weekend, being back at home and then it will be a good test at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next week.

"I have actually been to watch a match there before and it’s a very cool stadium, so that will be exciting.

"I watched Challenge Cup final there between Gloucester and the Sharks and I remember that one stand with the rooster at the top that just seems to keep going.

"We can’t wait to play now. We’re probably going to be without our internationals this week so it’s a great opportunity for some guys to step up. I’m excited to see how they go.

"It feels like the squad is in a good place and it will be very exciting to be back at home in the PREM."