Several Saints players have been away on international duty, at both senior and junior level, but most of the squad are now back in training to prepare for their first pre-season game against Leinster on 7 September.

“Pre-season’s not about getting fit, it’s about getting better,” said Dowson.

“We give the lads three weeks when they can do what they want, eat what they want – you hope they get away from Northampton, get away from rugby, have a good time.

“Then they get a two-week programme when they get back to get some movement, some weights into them so they come ready to train.

“This pre-season is a lot shorter than last, we had a very long pre-season with the World Cup last year.

“We’ve got to make the absolute most of our time in terms of those things we want to improve in our game, and make sure all those new players are integrated, understand the Saints DNA and what we’re trying to do.”