First on the list is, the crowd favourite or in his own words, "the local lad who done good", Paul Diggin. Born and educated in Northampton, the winger/full-back arrived at Franklin's Gardens via BBOB RFC in St Andrew's Road and made his debut for the club against Sale two seasons ago and then started last year's away game at Edgeley Park to replace the injured Bruce Reihana. He turned out against Sale again this season in front of the Sky cameras on Boxing Day. Diggin has made five appearances for for Saints this season and would have been a part of the England U21s squad, as he was last season, had a knee injury not thwarted his progress. He is back to fitness now though and no doubt the cheeky chappy will turn up again before the close of the season.

Mark Easter was another newcomer this season after his former club Nottingham RFC rang Saints Academy to alert them of his potential. Born in Swaziland to a England squash-playing father, Easter is carrying on the good sporting name of the family and is likely to come up against his brother Nick next season following Harlequins promotion to the Premiership and Easter's new contract taking him into the Saints professional squad. Easter made his debut against Newcastle at home this season and has made four further appearances this year, including last month's home game against Gloucester when he scored his debut try and marshalled the pack well from his spot at No 8.

Hooker Dylan Hartley, who signed up to the Saints Academy from Worcester's last summer before heading off to the U21s World Cup in Argentina. Hartley made his debut for Saints against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, and despite a real baptism of fire, survived to tell the tale and to be re-selected for the first team the following week. Hartley has made 16 appearances for Saints this season and been re-called to the England U21s set-up for the Six Nations tournament. He started every single game in the competition - three at loosehead prop and two at hooker - and came away with a Grand Slam for his trouble. He has also signed a new one-year deal with the club to take him into the senior squad.

No 8 Mark Hopley was also an import from Worcester Warriors who has flourished at Franklin's Gardens. Despite making just one appearance for Saints this season - there is stiff competition in that area - he has matured into a good leader and has captained the Wanderers and Academy sides during the latter half of the season. The Saints coaches had obviously seen enough to impress them as they signed the former England U21s on a two-year contract to take him into the Saints squad next season. he also scored for Saints Academy during the 125th anniversary game against Leicester's development team last month.