Lockett happy to be in 'best physical place' for Saints

Tom Lockett's try in France was his third since his Northampton debut in 2021-22

Northampton Saints second row Tom Lockett hopes injury problems are now behind him after scoring his first try of the season.

The 22-year-old had to wait until November for his first appearance of the 2024-25 campaign because of a pectoral injury.

But he has now played seven games and scored the opening try in last weekend's 45-35 defeat to Stade Francis in the European Champions Cup after two team-mates were held up just short of the line.

"It was a good passage of play, the sort of stuff we practice every Tuesday and Thursday, it was not surprise to us," Lockett told BBC Radio Northampton.

"I feel good. I've probably played a few more 80 minutes than I had by this point last year. I've had a little injury, but I'm coming back from that nicely and I feel I'm in the best physical place I've been in so far."

Northampton, the reigning Premiership champions, have had a number of injury issues to contend with this season but Lockett believes the squad has the mental strength to cope.

"We back ourselves and know that whatever 23 go out on the pitch of a weekend, we're a Saints team and we're going to play the Saints way," he added.

"It's not really about who's wearing what shirt or who's injured and who's not injured - we know everyone works hard when they're not getting picked to be ready for their opportunity.

"It did work out (against Stade) that I had a little bit more responsibility than normal, but I'm not going to shy away from that. I enjoy it, especially in the set-piece area."

Despite the loss in France, Saints are still top of Pool 3, one point clear of Munster and Saracens ahead of Saturday's meeting of the top two at Franklin's Gardens.

They beat Munster home and away in last season's competition and went all the way to the semi-finals before losing to Leinster.

"Obviously Munster are a hugely strong team, especially in Europe," said Lockett.

"We know how much history they've got and know they're going to be coming for us having lost twice last year.

"I'm massively looking forwards to going out in front of a sold-out crowd and feeling that atmosphere. A European game at the Gardens is always so special."

Iyogun agrees new contract

Meanwhile, Northampton prop Emmanuel Iyogun has signed a new deal to remain with the club beyond the end of this season.

The 24-year-old has made 65 appearances for his hometown club and scored two tries.

"Northampton Saints isn't just a team to me; it's my family, my community, and a place where I've grown both as a player and a person," he said.

"The energy and passion that everyone brings to every training session and every game is completely contagious, so I love being in this environment.

"Together, I believe we've got something extraordinary in the making; the potential of this team is limitless, and I can't wait to see what heights we can reach."