Lukhan's ready to do battle with Lions

LUKHAN Salakaia-Loto has credited Northampton with resurrecting his Test career as he looks forward to a reunion with some of his former team-mates when the Lions land in Australia in the summer.

- PAUL REES

The 28-year old second row spent the 2022-23 season at Franklin’s Gardens having joined from Queensland Reds, making 23 appearances, before returning to Australia to pitch for a place in their World Cup squad.

He made the training camp but not the final cut for France but was back in the fold the following campaign, starting both Tests in last summer’s series against Wales, and he was involved in all four internationals against the home nations in the autumn.

“Northampton was the springboard for me to progress my career and catapult myself back into Test contention,” said Salakaia-Loto, who has returned to the UK with the Reds who played Bristol and Ulster as warm-ups ahead of the Super Rugby campaign.

“I knew when I left that it had given me a good foundation and it did not take long. If my World Cup dream was short lived, I got back into the squad despite breaking my foot halfway through the Super Rugby season. It happened quite quickly, but I worked hard for it.”

Salakaia-Loto watched from afar was Northampton won the Premiership final against Bath last year and was not surprised at their success.