Northampton Saints wing Ben Cohen said he was “surprised” and “chuffed” with his recall to the 30-man England squad ahead of the autumn internationals.

The Northampton-born player who came up through Saints’ Academy system has scored six tries for his club so far this season, including a hat-trick against Viadana last weekend – a symptom, he says, of him enjoying his rugby again.

The 27-year-old said: “I was really surprised to hear the news and I am chuffed.

“I saw rugby as just a job last year and one I did not enjoy, but now I am enjoying my rugby because it is a sport that I love and I feel this is the best I have ever been coached.

“The set-up here has been brilliant and the stuff we are doing is great. We have got a bunch of players here who are willing to learn and have a great work ethic. They are always doing extras.

“Saints are far from the complete and finished outfit but we are playing a lot better than we did last year and it is nice to a part of that.

“I have not scored tries like I have this season for a long time and it is such a confidence boost, especially to score the third at the weekend. But I cannot take the credit myself; all the boys have been helping me just as we all help each other.”

Head coach Paul Grayson, who took over the coaching reins last December along with Budge Pountney, said: “Ben’s place in the 30-man squad is recognition for his performances on the field. He is in great form and is clearly enjoying himself.

“Ben had a break from the game in the summer for the first time in many years. The club was not a happy environment for him at times last season but he came back in the summer genuinely enthusiastic; he trained hard and he has been one of the shining examples for the younger players of our young squad.

“Ben is just an excellent, enthusiastic and dynamic player, and there are not many people who can play like him when he is on form. His selection is a fair reward.”

Director of rugby Budge Pountney added: “Ben’s call-up has come as a result a combination of hard work that he put in over the summer before and during pre-season training. He is definitely a guy who is on form and is a real match-winner as he has proved already for us this season.

“The whole squad is delighted for him and it has been a real team effort that has got him back there.”

Cohen has made eight starts for Saints this season and has scored six tries – three last weekend against Viadana in the European Challenge Cup, one, in the ninth minute of injury time, against London Irish in the GUINNNESS PREMIERSHIP and two against Worcester Warriors in the Powergen Cup.

Ends
Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Ben Cohen is training all day today and is unable to take media calls. Please accept these quotes on his behalf. For more information, please contact Northampton Saints’ communications manager Caroline Moore on 01604 599125 or 07808 866270.