England’s loss is Gloucester’s gain
Head coach looks on bright side after Kingsholm duo miss out on Red Rose squad
GLOUCESTER can reap the benefits from Lewis Ludlow and Ruan Ackermann’s failure to make the cut for the Autumn internationals - that’s the unanimous view of head coach George Skivington and back-row star Ben Morgan.
Cherry and Whites backs Mark Atkinson and Jonny May will be heading for Jersey on Monday for a five-day training camp ahead of next month’s games with Tonga, Australia and South Africa but Morgan feels his back-row pals could have made the trip as well. Ludlow, 27, racked up his 150th Gloucester appearance at London Irish last weekend and led England last summer against the United States and Canada, only the fifth player in history to captain the side on his debut, while Ackermann, 25, is eligible for England and has put in consistent displays this season.
“I think he has given himself every opportunity,” said Morgan of Ludlow. “There is nothing more he could have done. He was in the squad and was captain twice so Eddie Jones will have seen his leadership qualities.
“I think he is unfortunate as he puts it in week-in, week-out and I’m sure he will still have the opportunity to get in there. As for Ruan, he is a real quality operator and is consistently good for us - he has all the attributes, but Eddie Jones has gone elsewhere this time. If he continues to do what he has been doing for us then he will be in the frame - for me it is a pleasure to play with them both in the back row.
“The back row positions for England are very competitive and it depends on how the coach wants to play. As a spectator everyone will have their own ideas but Luds and Ackers are putting their hands up