Northampton Saints prop Manny Iyogun determined to prove a point after England snub

Manny Iyogun is looking to make up for his disappointment at missing out on Six Nations action by helping Northampton Saints win silverware.

The Saints went into the current round of Premiership matches at the head of the table with a home clash against Castres in the last 16 of the Champions Cup on Friday night.

Iyogun was in England‘s Six Nations squad this year but, as in 2024, when he went on the tour to New Zealand, he did not make it onto the field.

“I may not have played, but I got a lot out of the experience and learned a lot,” said the 25-year old prop.

Key learnings

“On the one hand, it was frustrating, but on the other, it showed I am in the coaches’ thinking.

“The training base in Bagshot is cool as a set-up with a nice spa and good food, but it is not about luxury.

“You work hard and you are emotionally up and down with selection on a Monday, followed immediately by training.

“It was difficult at times, but I am better for the experience. It is a roller-coaster, but you have to keep level and consistent, understanding how great players operate.

“It is about doing the fundamentals slightly better, and you see how explosive top props are, dominating the gainline, tackles and scrums.

“I felt left behind in my first training session because of how quickly everything was happening.”

Top dog: Manny Iyogun on the front foot for Northampton Saints PICTURES: Getty Images

Strong pathway

Northampton’s director of rugby Phil Dowson cites Iyogun, who made his Saints’ debut as a teenager, as an example of how the pathway at the club is working.

“Manny knows he is on the right path,” he went on. “He is getting good feedback from England and has to wait his turn.

“He spent his early time here behind the consistent Alex Waller, frustrated he did not get more minutes.

“Then he became top dog when it is about backing up performances. Now he has to compete with (Italy international) Danilo Fischetti and there is nothing better than competitive friction in training.”

Northampton’s success in recent seasons has swelled their international contingent.

“It helps if your club is doing well and we are coming into the back end of the season when trophies are won,” said Iyogun.

“If we play well here, we know Steve (Borthwick, England head coach) will be watching. I know that I am not there yet. I have to keep hammering at the door.”

Head coach: Phil Dowson