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.”
