After making his first hit of 2018/19 season last Friday night at Rodney Parade, Courtney Lawes has his sights set on kicking off at Franklin’s Gardens with a bang under new director of rugby Chris Boyd.
The towering 29-year-old lock has spent the last few months recovering from a knee ligament injury that kept him out of the end of Northampton’s 2017-18 campaign.
But a winning return against Dragons last Friday night will be followed by another stern test today as Saints welcome Glasgow Warriors to Franklin’s Gardens.
And while Lawes admits he enjoyed resting up over the summer, the England international and Northampton local is relishing the prospect of getting back in the Black, Green and Gold jersey this season.
“It was good to get a bit of a break,” Lawes said. “Freshen up and get a chance to work on those things you don’t really get a chance to work on.
“Hopefully I can come back and put that on the pitch and it was good to be back out there again last week and knock the cobwebs off.
💬 "I wasn't too bad. In my old age I've learnt where to run so I don't end up wasting too much energy!"@Courtney_Lawes is back in the thick of things and looking forward to Glasgow on Friday evening pic.twitter.com/EZxgoGGp1t
— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) August 22, 2018
“You can’t replicate that feeling of being in a game while you’re doing conditioning work in preseason. The only thing that gets you fit for rugby is rugby, so getting back out there really is a good feeling.
“We want to go out there and perform well [against Glasgow], put our attack together and make sure we’re solid in defence.”
Saints begin their season in earnest next week with a trip to Gloucester Rugby welcoming the squad back to Gallagher Premiership action.
And with a new set of coaches at the helm and several new faces in the side, Lawes admits everyone is pushing hard as no-one’s position is guaranteed.
He said: “Preseason’s been great, really good so far and I’m sure that will continue when we get into the Premiership.
“The main thing is that the boys stick together. It’s going to be an enjoyable season regardless of what happens on the pitch.
“We’ve got a lot of strength and depth. I’m pretty sure Chris will rotate the squad well and there should be some good competition for spaces, when hopefully we reach those play-offs and important games.
“But I’m happy as long as I get to play and come to work every day with the lads.”
Tickets are still available for Northampton Saints’ first home match of the Gallagher Premiership season, as they welcome Harlequins to Franklin’s Gardens on Friday 7th September (kick-off 7.45pm). CLICK HERE to book your spot!
