'Max definitely benefited': What Saracens are liking about Malins

Saracens have described what they are liking about Max Malins now that he is an important member of their squad again following his year on loan at Bristol. Rather than play in the Championship with the Londoners, it was felt best that the 24-year old was farmed out to the Bears in order not to disrupt his top-flight education.  

Malins went on to play 13 times for Bristol but that wasn't the only environment where he flourished as he also won all eight of his England caps - including two starts at full-back and on the left wing - while attached to his loan club. 

Although his time away ultimately ended in injury, Malins suffering a shoulder ligament injury during his July start for England versus the USA, he has since returned to fitness at Saracens and will start on Sunday at Bath in the N011 jersey following starts at full-back in the recent last-gasp loss at Leicester and the snarling victory over Newcastle. 

"Two different games really," said McCall when asked by RugbyPass to assess the form of Malins back at his parent club following his time at Bristol. "He had one in the rain in Welford Road.

"Not necessarily the kind of conditions that would suit Max Malins but he was very good that day. Positionally very strong, kicking game was strong, and we had some glimpses in attack. We saw those glimpses again last weekend, just what a danger he can be, in particular on the counter-attack.

"He just got to play at the highest level possible (while on loan). The Championship wouldn't have suited him which is why we sent people of his peer group away and we are very grateful to the clubs that gave them those opportunities to play at that level. Max definitely benefited from that."

Having been included in the recent 45-strong England squad for last month's mini-training camp, the expectation is that Malins - provided he comes through the Bath trip unscathed - will be included again on Monday when Eddie Jones names his latest squad ahead of the autumn internationals.