Tom Lockett signs contract extension with Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints have announced that lock Tom Lockett has signed a contract extension with the Gallagher Premiership club.

Graduating from the Saints Academy, Lockett made his debut against London Irish in the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2021 and has 19 appearances for the club since then.

“Saints have got a fantastic squad with a lot of young, ambitious players, and this year in particular it’s been great to see so many of those guys really come into their own and become leaders of the group,” said Lockett to the club's official website.

“I’ve grown up with a lot of the lads here in Northampton, and seeing them all now performing to such a high level week in, week out has been amazing – it’s something I really wanted to stay a part of.

“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to play more this season. 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.”

The 21-year-old represented Wales Under 18 side in the past before switching to join England Under 20 team. He also featured for Northampton’s partner side Bedford Blues in the Championship.

“Tom really learned how to use his giant frame throughout last summer, and has become a bit of a handful in collisions," said Northampton Director of Rugby Phil Dowson.

“He is a real student of the game, loves his lineout work and [coach] James Craig has become a big mentor for him.

“Tom knows that the set piece is going to be one of his fundamentals and he spends a lot of time looking at calling and defensive set-ups. He has a huge potential for growth and is beginning to understand how much of a brute he can be with his weight.”

Northampton are positioned at the top of the Gallagher Premiership table with nine wins from 12 matches.