Ethan Waller has been handed a first-team contract with Northampton Saints.

The 20-year-old had been part of the Aviva Premiership side's academy, and is the brother of prop Alex Waller.

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder told the club's website: "Ethan is a player with plenty of talent and a desire to succeed at the highest level.

"He has applied himself well since he joined the senior academy and we are very happy that he has signed a first team contract this early in the season."

Waller added: "I'm really pleased and very grateful for the opportunity. I've been trying to work hard this year and am glad that it's paid off. But now it's time to push on and try for first team honours.

"I've always had my brother in my sights, and I'm working hard to get better than him! But I'm always looking to improve and learn from every prop and incorporate that into my own game."

Waller has yet to make his debut for Northampton, but has had loan spells at Coventry and Moseley.