Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder appears to have already ushered in the post-Chris Ashton era after leaving the winger out of the squad to face Munster (Munster 13/2 – Heineken Cup Outright).

The England ace was this week announced as a Saracens signing for next season following weeks of speculation over the 24-year-old’s future.

Saints take on Munster at stadiumMK in the Heineken Cup on Saturday knowing they cannot progress in European rugby’s top competition.

However, the men from Franklin’s Gardens can still make it into the quarter-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Munster have already qualified for the last eight in the Heineken Cup but need the win to make sure of a home tie in the quarters.

No official comment has been made on Ashton’s omission which is one of four changes as Ryan Lamb, Lee Dickson, James Downey and Jamie Elliott come into the starting XV.

“We had a good result at the Scarlets last week, and if we attack with the same intensity and defend with the same passion and determination then we will have a good chance against a tough Munster outfit,” Mallinder said.

“We are definitely going into tomorrow’s match with our minds focused very much on getting the win.

“We have had a good run recently and have some big matches coming up. We want to keep our momentum going.”

Pool 1′s other game on Saturday night is in France, with Castres entertaining Scarlets which is also a 6pm kick off.

Ashton will still be a key player for England next month as the Red Rose look to bounce back from the shambles of the World Cup in New Zealand (England 7/2 – Six Nations Outright).