'That's probably when I work best': Ludlam explains his revival

Lewis Ludlam is poised to resume his England career believing that his appointment as Northampton captain has raised his game to a new level. Ludlam is expected to be involved in Sunday’s non-cap international against the Barbarians at Twickenham five months after his comeback was derailed by a rib injury sustained against Scotland.

The 26-year-old has been a revelation for Saints this year, emerging as the standout performer in their back row as they reached the Gallagher Premiership semi-finals. 

A place on next month’s tour to Australia is the prize at stake for a player who was a bolter for the 2019 World Cup, only to then become a peripheral figure until his recall for this year’s Six Nations.

“I understand myself a lot better. I know what I need to bring in the game so I’m performing consistently,” said Ludlam following his inclusion in this week's England squad of 36. “I know how my body reacts to training in the week and my nutrition and recovery as well, so that has been something I have probably had a bit more thought about.

“The captaincy stuff has helped a little bit. I have probably had a case of the leader’s legs, where people are looking at you and you are under the magnifying glass a little bit, so you bring out more in yourself.

“That is probably when I work best, when I feel part of something and I feel like there are people depending on me. It’s a really close group of boys at the club at the moment and it’s been easy for me to work hard for them. Usually, if you’re working hard as a flanker, then you will have an all right game.”