Northampton Saints loosehead prop Manny Iyogun has signed a new contract with the Prem champions.

The 25-year-old, who made his England Test debut in July, follows Tommy Freeman, Henry Pollock and Tom Pearson in extending his contract at Franklin’s Gardens.

A product of Saints’ academy, Iyogun has made 104 appearances across eight seasons for the Green, Black and Gold.

“It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was playing for the under-18s, and now I’m sitting here with more than 100 senior appearances. I’ve loved every part of the journey,” Iyogun told the club’s website., external

“There have been challenges along the way, injuries and difficult periods, but those moments have shaped me as a player and person, and they make the good times even more rewarding.”

Born in Madrid and raised in Basildon, Iyogun pursued football before discovering rugby at the age of 14. After joining Southend RFC, he quickly caught the attention of Saints’ academy scouts.

He entered the club’s pathway system in 2016 and made his under-18s debut a year later as a back-row forward, playing two years above his age group.

Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson said: “Manny’s story is a brilliant one for the club and a fantastic example of what our pathway can produce.

“From coming through the academy to becoming a centurion and England international, he’s earned every opportunity through his hard work, resilience and willingness to keep developing.

“Most importantly, he’s a brilliant character who embodies the values we want at Northampton Saints. He’s ambitious, works incredibly hard, and is constantly looking for ways to improve, so we’re delighted he’ll continue his journey with us.”