Sam sings the praises of Saints team-mates

The big No.8 was named man of the match on Friday night as Northampton shot down Sale Sharks 33-14 at Franklin’s Gardens.

It was the second star man award in as many home games for Dickinson, who was also given the honour on debut against Exeter in the Aviva Premiership season opener.

The 28-year-old has made a huge impact since recovering from the broken arm that prevented him playing any first-team rugby for Saints last season.

But, in typically modest fashion, Dickinson refused to take all the credit and had a few messages of thanks to issue.

“Maybe spending all my time last year training helped me out a little bit,” he said. “A lot of credit is due to Moseley, who I went on loan with and played a fair few games for last year.

“I’ve said to a number of people coming into this team that you look around, look at the names we’ve got and it’s easy to slot in. It’s as much credit to the team around me.”

Dickinson joined Saints from Rotherham last summer and has made the step up from Championship to Premiership look easy.

He has helped Northampton claim three wins from their opening four league games this season and is rivalling last season’s player of the year Samu Manoa for a place in the team.

“I’m not looking at who’s in and out, I’m happy just to be playing,” said Dickinson.

“He (Manoa) is a massive guy to have around and he does a hell of a job when he’s on the pitch as well so there’s a one-squad mentality. Everyone’s happy that we’re winning.

“There’s lots of smiles knocking around. I feel we’re playing a good brand of rugby, it’s exciting.

“We play wide when we can, we take our opportunities and it’s putting smiles on everyone’s faces.”