Moon peaking to fill void of mentor Lawes

MONSTER lock Alex Moon aims to shoot for the stars by covering the gap left by Courtney Lawes as Saints ramp-up their title bid.

Moon, who stands 6ft 9ins (2.07m) and weighs 19st 6lbs (123kgs), penned his first senior contract last week and is determined to impress.

Northampton lie ninth in the Premiership but are just six points off the playoffs, with home matches against mid-table rivals Sale and Bath to come.

Moon, 22, said: “It’s been a real breakthrough season for me and I’ve played eight or nine games. While a lot of it comes off the back of Courtney being away, I’ve had good opportunities and gained a lot of confidence.

“We’ve got a big period of games coming up so I want to make sure I’m in that mix. If we beat Bath and Sale it could push us into the top four. It’s tight but we feel we’re improving and can make a mark in this league.”

Moon has learnt at the shoulder of Lawes, one of four significant mentors, while he is grateful for chances under Kiwi boss Chris Boyd.

He explained: “Courtney’s a man of few words but he’s probably our best player and if he goes well, the team tends to go well.

“You saw that for England against Ireland last week and when he gets off the line and flattens people, it lifts the players around him.

“Christian Day has been great with me as well and I still speak to him a couple of times a month, while James Craig is also class.

“Along with David Ribbans, it means I’ve had four really good mentors who’ve all been able to do something a bit different.”

Of Boyd’s influence, Moon adds: “He has a background of bringing guys through and some of us younger lads may not have had opportunities in previous years. Chris has backed guys like myself, George Furbank and many others.”

Moon has made physical improvements as well: “I was 132kgs (20st 8lbs) two years ago and a bit fat. I’m not as sluggish now and while getting back on my feet quickly is still a workon, I’m improving.”