Lockett shares love for the Cup after key role in Coventry win

A little over three years ago, a towering teenage second row Tom Lockett arrived as a replacement to become Saint #2043 against London Irish.

Fast forward 169 weeks from his debut at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, the 6ft 7in tall lock is a prominent member in Saints’ senior squad and his most recent outing in Black, Green and Gold against Coventry was his 36th in all competitions.

He now possesses a Gallagher Premiership winner’s medal and has played Investec Champions Cup clashes in Scotland, South Africa and France – as well as scoring a memorable and crucial try in the home victory over Toulon last term.

But it all started for the 22-year-old in the Premiership Rugby Cup, a competition that accounts for 16 of his Northampton appearances.

“I love it!” Lockett said. “This competition means a lot to me, as it does to a lot of the young lads here.

“This is where we all got our first break in a Saints shirt and to have played a few Prem and European games and then come back to this competition is massive.”

Despite his tender years, Lockett was one of Saints’ most experienced players in the 50-23 victory over Coventry and is aware of his role within a youthful Cup group.

He added: “I feel like there’s a bit more responsibility to help carry the young lads and lads making their debut like Beltus (Nonleh) through this.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a senior player yet, but it’s so good because I remember how much days like this meant to me when I was 19 and making my debut.

Just like his first appearance, Lockett’s maiden try came in the Premiership Rugby Cup, against Harlequins back in October 2022.

That effort was a short burst under the posts from seven metres out, his most recent five pointer was from nearer 40 as he managed to see off a number of defenders to reach over the line after a fine initial break from Angus Scott-Young.

“It makes a change because normally I'm about five metres out!” Lockett said.

“We practice moving the game a lot in training and getting the ball into space and I don’t find myself there very often but I back myself to finish it when I do.”

Next up for Saints is their final Pool B game when they head to Nottingham on Friday night knowing a victory will strengthen their chances of a home quarter-final tie back at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

“I’ve played at Nottingham a few times with Bedford in the Championship and they’ve got a really good supporter base,” Lockett said.

“Lady Bay is always a great occasion and off the back of a good win, the lads will be looking to back that up and top the group.

“It’s part of what this competition is and a lot of the lads in our team will have experienced places like Lady Bay in the Championship or Nat 1.

“As long as it’s a rugby pitch and we’ve got 15 Saints running around, we’ll be alright.”