“We’ve got real depth in the second row. Training alongside players like Alex Coles, Ed Prowse, Chunya Munga and JJ van der Mescht pushes all of us to raise our level. Each of us brings something different, and that competition has been massive for my development.
“A huge influence has also been James Craig. He’s coached me from my first days in the Academy through to the senior environment, and having someone who knows my game so well – and challenges me constantly – has played a huge part in where I’ve got to.
“Long term, I want to establish myself in the international picture. I’ve had a taste with England A and in senior camps, and being surrounded here by players operating at that level helps drive me forward.
“Representing this town and this Club means a lot to me, and running out at cinch Stadium as someone who’s come through the system will never get old. When the town gets behind you it really is something special, so there’s nowhere else I’d rather be playing my rugby.”
Initially part of Colchester United’s football academy, Lockett joined Saints’ Academy pathway as a 16-year-old and progressed through the age‑grade system before signing his first professional contract in 2021.
He made his senior debut later that year, becoming Saint #2043 in a PREM Rugby Cup clash against London Irish. After a handful of appearances in 2022/23, he broke into the first team the following season, enjoying a seven-match run that included his Gallagher Premiership debut against Sale Sharks.
A standout moment came in Round 2 of the 2023/24 Investec Champions Cup, when Lockett scored the match‑winning try against Toulon in only his second European top‑flight appearance.