Northampton Saints centre Luther Burrell delighted by winning start

Northampton Saints centre Luther Burrell has paid tribute to the club's coaching staff following the team's winning start to the season.

The defending champions thrashed Gloucester Rugby 53-6 at Franklin's Gardens on Friday night to start the defence of their Aviva Premiership title with maximum points.

"The boys really dug in, which is testament to the hard work put in by the conditioning staff," Burrell told Northampton's official website.

"We looked fit and fast, and to do that in the first game of the season - in front of a home crowd of 13,500 - is fantastic and a great way to start the season."

Northampton return to Aviva Premiership action next Sunday when they travel to London Wasps.