Saints centurion Iyogun signs new deal

Emmanuel Iyogun has committed his future to Northampton Saints, with the Club’s newest England international signing a new contract to remain at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens beyond the current campaign.

Already a Saints centurion at just 25 years old, Iyogun has enjoyed an impressive rise from Academy prospect to two-time Gallagher PREM champion, making 104 appearances to date across eight seasons in Black, Green and Gold.

The loosehead prop becomes the fourth Northampton player to commit his future to the Club already this season, following fellow England internationals Tommy Freeman, Henry Pollock and Tom Pearson in putting pen to paper on a new Saints deal.

“Staying at Saints was a very easy decision for me, a real no-brainer,” said Iyogun. “I love the Club. I’ve grown up here, come through the Academy, and now get to play alongside a lot of the same people who have been part of that journey with me.

“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.

“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.

“What excites me most is the drive across the Club to keep improving. Everyone here is constantly pushing for more, not just in terms of winning trophies but becoming better every day. That ambition and mentality were a huge factor in my decision to stay.

“The competition within our front-row group is a massive part of that, and raises the standard every day. Training is competitive, challenging and demanding, and that’s exactly the sort of environment that helps you improve. My biggest goal is simply to keep getting better and developing my game.

“Having had my first taste of international rugby, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t ambitious about what’s next, but my focus remains on improving year after year and being the best player I can be for Saints.

“There are so many people who have helped me get to this point. My mum, my family and friends, and my girlfriend, Alys, have been incredible throughout the journey, especially during the tougher moments. I’d also like to thank the coaches who have supported me over the years, particularly Mark Hopley, who first moved me to prop in the Academy. The way the coaches invest in players and their development makes this a special place to be, and I’m excited for the next chapter.”

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

Upon signing his first professional contract in 2019, Iyogun made the switch to loosehead prop, a move that would prove pivotal in his development. By the 2021/22 campaign, he had established himself as a first-team regular, making 20 appearances that term and helping Saints reach the Gallagher PREM semi-finals.

His influence continued to grow over the seasons that followed. In 2023/24, Iyogun scored his first try in Black, Green and Gold against Gloucester, and played an important role as Saints reached both the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals and Gallagher PREM Final. Emerging from the bench at Twickenham, he helped Northampton secure a 25-21 victory over Bath and lift the Club’s first major trophy in a decade.

He was a mainstay of Saints’ pack again in 2024/25, starting every match of the Club’s Champions Cup campaign as Northampton reached the competition’s Final for the first time since 2011.

The loosehead followed that up with another outstanding campaign in 2025/26, making 25 appearances and starting the Gallagher PREM Final as Saints defeated Exeter Chiefs to claim a second league title in three seasons.

On the international stage, Iyogun progressed through England’s age-grade pathway, representing the Under-20s during the 2020 Six Nations. He received his first senior call-up for England’s tour of New Zealand in July 2024, before featuring for England A in their victory over Australia A later that year.

In July 2026, his form was rewarded with a first senior international cap, coming off the bench in a 31-24 victory over Argentina in the Nations Championship in Santiago del Estero.

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.

“That was reflected in the reaction across the Club when he won his first England cap this summer. The celebrations were incredibly genuine because everybody understands the journey he’s been on and how much he’s invested in this environment. Seeing him rewarded at international level was a proud moment for all of us.

“Over the years, Manny has developed into an extremely effective loosehead prop. It’s a position that demands a huge amount, particularly for someone who moved there later in their junior career, but his set-piece work and understanding of the role have become real strengths of his game.

“What has impressed me most is the way he’s handled adversity. Injuries and setbacks can derail players, but Manny has consistently shown maturity, determination and a desire to come back better. Those experiences have helped shape him into the player and person he is today.

“He’s gone from being a young player learning from experienced props such as Alex Waller to becoming a key figure within our front-row group. While he’s already accumulated a huge amount of experience, he still has plenty of growth ahead of him, which is an exciting prospect for both Manny and the Club.

“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.”