Kemeny hopes Saints' form will boost Test hopes

Josh Kemeny joined Northampton from Melbourne Rebels before the start of last season

Northampton Saints back Josh Kemeny hopes their positive start to the new season can help him return to the Australia squad.

Kemeny won two caps for the Wallabies in 2023 and his hopes of more have been boosted by their decision to scrap Giteau's Law, which restricted the number of overseas players chosen in their Test team.

The 26-year-old is not in their Autumn Nations Series squad after only making his first start of the Prem season in last Friday's win at Newcastle, having recovered from shoulder surgery.

"It was a longish lay-off, three or four months, to get the operation and shoulder sorted but I'm feeling 100% with that now," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"I got a taste of it [international rugby] - it's always been a goal of mine and now it's a bit more feasible whilst not being in Australia. I hope if I can find some form that will be a possibility."

Although Saints only finished eighth last season, Kemeny made a big impact following his arrival at Franklin's Gardens, scoring six tries in 21 games and starting the European Champions Cup final against Bordeaux.

It led to him winning two player of the season awards, chosen by his team-mates and the coaching staff.

Northampton are top of the Prem ahead of Friday's home game against Saracens, with three wins and a draw so far.

And Kemeny believes greater squad depth has been a major factor so far.

"We've showed in parts what we're capable of [and we're] just trying to get that level of consistency, 80-minute performances, maybe with some better discipline," he said.

"The depth is a product of guys coming back but also guys stepping up, guys that maybe weren't as consistent players and didn't feature in the squad as much - they are now and everyone is scrabbling for a shirt, which is a good place for a club to be.

"I wouldn't say I was a shoo-in [last season] but a few guys coming back from injury, a few guys coming into the club, some coming back to form... It's definitely very competitive now."

Kemeny singled out Callum Chick, who joined Saints from Newcastle, adding: "He's a brilliant leader, a very physical player with a very big engine, who is very consistent. That's something we want the squad to follow."