Saracens' verdict on Alex Lozowski England call, Onyeama-Christie op

Saracens were the big winners on Wednesday when Steve Borthwick named his Autumn Nations Series squad as their seven-strong England representation – which included the selection of Alex Lozowski – was the biggest of any Gallagher Premiership club.

Last capped in 2018, midfielder Lozowski will head to next week’s warm-weather training camp in Spain along with clubmates Elliot Daly, Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Jamie George, Nick Isiekwe and Maro Itoje to prepare for a series that begins on November 2 versus New Zealand at Allianz Stadium.

Lozowski was one of 16 backs included by Borthwick and Saracens boss Mark McCall was pleased with the player’s international recognition. Speaking on the London club’s website, the director of rugby said: “Alex has been an important player for us over several years.

“He has always been a standout player in big games and risen to the occasion. He has only had one opportunity so far on the international stage and I know he is a player that loves to be involved in those sorts of environments.

“At 31-years-old you wouldn’t blame him for cruising at this point in his career, but he knew he was good enough to play in these sorts of competitions for England and it is pleasing to see that hard work pay off.”

Beaten last Sunday at Harlequins, second-place Saracens head to leaders Bristol on Saturday looking to repeat the excellent win they enjoyed on their last Ashton Gate visit in May. They will travel minus Scotland international Andy Onyeama-Christie, who is booked in for an operation on the ankle that was badly damaged in the defeat at The Stoop.

“After he has surgery on Monday we will know more about his recovery time, but the overwhelming support from across the game has certainly lifted his spirits,” reported McCall. “He is one of those characters that once the surgery is done, he will be fully focused on getting back on to the pitch, and like he has done from his broken arms I’m sure he will be able to return better than ever.”

On the challenge Bristol will pose, McCall added: “They are a very different and unique challenge to what we have faced so far this season. We have assessed what went wrong over the Harlequins game and, without giving away any secrets, we are confident we can amend those parts of our game ahead of this weekend.”