Ben Foden will have little time to dwell on his England disappointment after being called up for Northampton's LV= Cup opener against the Ospreys on Thursday night.

Full-back Foden, despite starring in Saints colours this season, will head to Swansea lining up in a Northampton side that contains several Guinness Premiership regulars. The presence of Foden, wing Chris Ashton, fly-half Stephen Myler and flanker Scott Gray underlines that Northampton have no intention of taking the Anglo-Welsh competition anything other than seriously.

Saints rugby director Jim Mallinder said: "Inevitably, with such a quick turnaround after a very physical game against Leicester last Saturday some players have needed a rest. But that in turn presents opportunities for other players to shine."

He added: "Last season, the Anglo-Welsh Cup proved to be a springboard for several players, such as Courtney Lawes and Stephen Myler, who went on to be regulars in the Premiership and in Europe."

The Ospreys are without 12 players on Wales duty, but they will be led by experienced international Ian Gough, who has the likes of fellow Test players Jerry Collins, Sonny Parker and Filo Tiatia alongside him.

"We've got a proud history in the Anglo-Welsh tournament as previous winners and twice finalists," said Ospreys head coach Sean Holley.

"This year, with it being played during the autumn internationals and with us carrying a few injuries, it really is an exciting chance for us to see some of the younger players."