Tom Lockett: Northampton Saints second row extends contract

Tom Lockett has featured 11 times for Saints this season

Northampton second row Tom Lockett has signed a new deal to extend his stay at Franklin's Gardens beyond this season.

The 21-year-old academy graduate has played 19 times for Saints since his senior debut against London Irish in the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2021.

Lockett made his Premiership bow against Sale last October, and scored the match-winning try against RC Toulon in the Champions Cup two months later.

"I've really enjoyed the chance I've had to play more this season," he said.

"I've been involved in the first team more than ever before, which of course changes your mindset, and I really want to kick on in the years ahead of me here.

"There are some really talented senior players in my position, and they've been great with me in sharing things that are improving my game, and making sure I am ready to compete in the Premiership and Champions Cup where the margins for error are so small."

Lockett was in Colchester United's football academy before joining the Saints aged 16 and being was taken on full-time 18 months later.

The 6ft 8ins lock played for Wales under-18 side before switching to England at under-20 level.

"Tom really learned how to use his giant frame throughout last summer, and has become a bit of a handful in collisions," said Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson.

"He's made some big impacts for us in the first team this season, particularly in the Champions Cup where he performed really well up in Glasgow and then again at home a week later against Toulon."