Iyogun said he had relished the challenge of testing himself against two strong French packs in successive weeks.

“You’re playing against the top of the top. In terms of our training standard and our level, we’ve never underestimated our opposition, we wanted to prove a point and have done a pretty decent job,” he said.

“At the start of the season, I had a bit of blip, suffering an ankle injury and I’ve just tried to get on the park, get as many training sessions in as possible.”

Iyogun, who played for England A against Australia A last year, has made 18 appearances for Saints this season, scored two tries, and has established himself as a favourite among supporters.

He said: “As a prop, you’re sometimes in the shadows and it’s nice to get some recognition for the hard work you’re putting in.

“The world of the front row is changing and you’re being forced to play in a way that is very free-flowing and flexible now, as opposed to walking from set-piece to set-piece.”

The Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster will take place on 24 May so Northampton return to Premiership action on Friday as they travel north to face Newcastle Falcons.

They are eighth in the table, 13 points adrift of the top four with just five games remaining.