Ludlam vows to give Sam run for his money

BURGEONING flanker Lewis Ludlam hopes the impending departure of Calum Clark will give him a chance to become Northampton’s answer to Sam Underhill.

Ospreys tyro Underhill joins Bath this summer and is viewed as the next big openside prospect for England. However, Ludlam, a Junior World Cup finalist with England in 2015, is equally rated by the Red Rose hierarchy and is mentored by Richard Hill.

A serious pectoral injury in 2015-16 and the presence of Clark, Tom Wood and Teimana Harrison have combined to limit Ludlam’s opportunities, but after featuring regularly this season the 21-year-old groundhog feels ready to fulfil his potential.

Ludlam told TRP: “Any back row leaving means you go up the pecking order, so Calum going to Sarries should present opportunities. As a young player you want to play week-in, weekout and the Saints coaches have been feeding me in.

“My injury came at a bad time after the 2015 Junior World Cup, but I’m back on track now and it’s nice to have been involved more this season. I’ve played in Premiership and Champions Cup matches and that experience is key for my career now.”

2003 World Cup-winning flanker Hill has been instrumental in the development of Maro Itoje and is now influencing Ludlam, who explained: “From the age group set-up to first team rugby is a big jump so Richard helps a lot by going through my games.

“He had a lot of input into turning Maro Itoje into the player he is and he’s giving me a lot of feedback to keep me on course. I’m trying to take in as much of Richard’s experience as possible and he’s been awesome, as has Tom Wood here at Saints.”

Former England U20s coach Jon Callard describes Ludlam as “better than Sam Underhill”.

However, Ludlam adds: “I try not to listen to that, I just focus on what I’m doing. If I continue to work hard, who knows what opportunities could be out there? It’s about taking my chances when they come.”