Dombrandt is the best in world, says Flannery

FORMER Wales young gun turned England star Alex Dombrandt has been described as the most skilful No.8 in the world by his Harlequins title-winning coach.

Dombrandt played for Cardiff Met University and starred for Wales U20s via the student residency route, but is widely expected to be included in England’s Autumn starting line-up after making his Test debut this summer.

England face Tonga, Australia and South Africa at Twickenham next month, with 24-year-old Dombrandt having already enjoyed an unforgettable year.

His England bow against Canada apart, he also played a major role in Quins winning the Gallagher Premiership title and he has started the current domestic campaign in blistering form.

“He is probably the most skilful forward I have coached. He is so good,” said Quins’ defence coach Jerry Flannery.

“You are never going to turn him into say, for instance, Tom Curry, who is a phenomenon around the tackle area.

“Alex has done a lot of work on his defence. He reads the game really well and I thought the Bristol game [earlier this month] was incredible.

“He had four turnovers in that game he stole the ball four times - and his tackle-count is up there because he reads the game really, really well. It was a real complete performance from him.

“Another thing people probably don’t see from outside Harlequins is his leadership.

“The players love him here, they absolutely love what he is about because that’s what Harlequins are about.

“From a technical point of view, he is always going to be known for being probably the most skilful number eight in world rugby.

“And I think he is improving hugely as a defensive player, which Eddie Jones will have been feeding into him, because if you want to play Test rugby, you have got to be physical and be able to defend.”