Emmanuel Iyogun has become a regular starter in Northampton’s front row this season and credits his predecessor, Alex Waller, for what has been a smooth transition.
The 24-year-old Iyogun, who trained with England last year, has been part of Northampton’s Champions Cup push this season, having come on as a replacement in last season’s semi-final against Leinster and the Premiership final against Bath.
“With Alex retiring, my aim at the start of the season was to get my name on the team-sheet as often as I could,” said loosehead Iyogun, who captained Northampton’s Under-18 side when he played in the back row.
“It was about putting out top performances and being proud of my work in the set-pieces and around the park. You cannot look too far ahead but set yourself goals and take things game by game.
“I am very grateful to Alex because when he was here he taught me a lot of things. He could have kept his trade secrets to himself but he didn’t and I will always be grateful to him.
“He was as durable as ever in his final season and he was in unbelievable nick. I have a coffee with him every now and then and he says he is enjoying retirement.”
Mixed Season
Northampton’s season has been mixed. They are long shots for the playoffs, having failed to win a league match away from Franklin’s Gardens before Friday night’s visit to Newcastle, but they are the only Premiership side to make the semi-finals of the Champions Cup.
“Our league position is very frustrating,” said Iyogun.
“Our Champions Cup run shows that our game works and that it is not something catastrophic that has been holding us back in the league.
“We lost a number of experienced players after winning the Premiership, not least Alex, and for someone like me it meant stepping up in terms of leadership and dealing with that extra bit of pressure.
“Taking on responsibility is going to make you better.”
England are touring Argentina in the summer when a number of regulars will be in Australia with the Lions, but Iyogun is focusing on finishing the session strongly with Northampton.
“I had a week with England on the back of the Premiership win last season and you only want more,” he said.
“Dreams can come true but something will only happen on the back of you performing. When you are in the player pathway, they maintain contact with you but it is about playing as well as I can.”
Leinster Challenge
Northampton’s Champions Cup campaign ended in Dublin last year when they lost to Leinster by three points. They return to the city next week but will be playing at the Aviva Stadium rather than Croke Park.
“Coming off the bench there last year was one of my first big games,” said Iyogun who replaced Waller, left, after 57 minutes.
“I would say that Croke Park was pretty monumental in my development because of the occasion and the quality of Leinster’s front row.
“We know what to expect. They like to smother you, win quick ball and run over the top of you. We have been consistent in the tournament and have to carry that through to the semi-final.
“Leinster are a Test team and that gives you an opportunity. You are playing in a game where there will be a number of eyes on you. If you perform well, it can act as a springboard.
“I have never played at the Aviva Stadium before and, after last year, we know that there will be a mega atmosphere. It is a match you can only feel excited by.”
Forward Pack Prowess
Northampton are known for the threat they pose behind with most of their backs appearing for England in the last year and Rory Hutchinson in the Scotland squad.
But there is more to their pack than Henry Pollock.
“We have some magic backs and as forwards we have to deliver for them,” said Iyogun.
“That means delivering in the set-piece, hitting breakdowns fast and quickly getting up off the floor.
“The scrum and maul are fundamental to our game, as we showed in the knock-out games against Clermont Auvergne and Castres, opponents you have to front up to as forwards. And then watch the backs go to work.”
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