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Great crowd, great guys, and a great win!! 2016/17 Aviva A-League Champs 🙏 pic.twitter.com/rKZtzjLjDR — Jake Ilnicki (@Ilnix) May 1, 2017

When we last spoke in December, you were basically right off the plane…how has your time gone?

It has definitely been a bit of a grind over here. I have been working pretty hard on and off the field and it has been a bit difficult trying to get together some solid game time lately. But that is what Premiership rugby is all about over here, grafting away and waiting patiently for your chance.

Unfortunately for me, I’m playing behind a couple of decent tightheads that have been here for a while and have been playing consistently well enough for the coaches each week.

What was the most surprising thing you found at Northampton?

I honestly couldn’t believe the fan base here for the Saints. They are pretty crazy about their rugby here and have quite a large following.

https://twitter.com/SaintsRugby/status/859335401915469825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.premiershiprugby.com%2Fnews%2Fmatch-reaction-northampton-wanderers-36-gloucester-united-15%2F

How did you previous stints in professional rugby (in the US, in New Zealand, in Australia) prepare you for life in England?

Professional rugby is getting pretty consistent all over the globe with the requirements both physically and mentally to keep up with the game.

I guess I was able to really hit the ground running when I got here since I understood what was to be expected of myself and the standards that all pro rugby teams require by their players.