Saints’ sevens failure frustrates teenager Collins

But the 19-year-old felt the Franklin’s Gardens run-out was good experience for him and his team-mates ahead of the new season.

Collins scorched in for four tries on the night, shining despite Saints’ failure to win any of their three games, against Newcastle, Sale and Leicester.

And the senior academy back is now hoping the showing can help him as he attempts to make his way into the first-team picture this season.

“I thought it went alright,” said the modest 19-year-old. “It was just frustrating not to get the win.

“A couple of years ago, I was clueless about what was going on in sevens, but with Vas (Artemyev), Digger (Paul Diggin) and people like that behind me it’s been good.

“I’ve tried to adapt to the game and it’s been a good experience.”

The Saints squad are currently in pre-season training as they prepare for a string of friendly matches ahead of the new campaign.

And England Under 20s talent Collins says the sevens tournament was a good way to warm up for a return to the 15-man game.

“It’s a bit frustrating not to get the win, but it still gives you that extra game understanding and game fitness, which is key,” he said.

“If you’ve got game fitness hopefully you can build on that throughout the season, so it’s a good start.”