Northampton Saints loosehead prop Tom West says that the men in Black, Green and Gold are striving to get better every week ahead of their PREM Rugby Cup clash with Newcastle Red Bulls this Saturday (15 November, kick-off: 5:30pm) at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
West made his first appearance of the season last weekend as a replacement in Saints’ 26-17 victory against Harlequins, following his rehabilitation from an injury sustained against Exeter at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
“Luckily, I missed out on surgery,” West said. “But I still had seven weeks in boot and crutches and then rehabbing over preseason and the rest of the summer.
“Coming back in, you look at how we're going at the moment, it’s an exciting environment to be a part of.
“Obviously, the European campaign hasn’t started yet, but I think it’s exciting to look at where we can take it this year.”
Saints remain undefeated so far in all competitions and will be looking to extend that positive run of form as they welcome Newcastle Red Bulls to cinch Stadium on Saturday
“There’s a drive to improve every week,” West explained. “Which includes the PREM Cup, whatever game it is, and whoever is wearing a Saints jersey.
“The environment is so good. Everyone’s really positive and having a good time, but we learn so much from each other as well.
Saints have a wealth of talent at loosehead this season, including summer signing and Italian international Danilo Fischetti and Immanuel Iyogun, who has been on international duty representing England A.
“There’s a lot of depth in my position,” West continued. “I’m looking forward to the prospect of when we’re all back, training, and competing to see how we all perform.
“I’m not a young player coming through, you know what you need to do in when you get these playing opportunities, you need to make the most of them and just be ready to go.
“The game changes so fast in terms of injuries or selection, you just need to make sure that every week you come in with the same attitude and you’re ready to go.”