Val Rapava Ruskin has been on England's radar since before the last World Cup but is still waiting for his first cap, something his head coach at Gloucester, George Skivington, believes is only a week or two away.
The 30-year old prop was in England's preliminary squad after the 2019 World Cup, but this month was the first time he was selected ahead of a block of internationals and he has four potential opportunities next month, starting with Argentina on Saturday.
“I think he has a chance of getting his cap,” said Skivington, who is in regular contact with England head coach Eddie Jones. “He has been on Eddie's radar for a while and his commitment in the off season and at the start of this campaign shows what he can do when he is on top of everything.
“He had a really good spell halfway through last season and Eddie said if he continued in that vein there was a good chance he would get some involvement down the line. That led to some good conversations with Val and we have set the right parameters for him.”
Ruskin, who was born in Georgia but moved to England when he was two and started his career at Blackheath, went into the current round of Premiership matches joint sixth in the try-scoring chart having claimed four, the same number as his England squad front row colleague Ellis Genge.
“Val works very hard and his commitment has got him into the squad,” said Skivington. “I relay what Eddie tells me to all the boys because it is important for them to know here they stand. Fitness is vital for any tight five forward. You have to keep your size but you have to stay fit and a challenge for big men sometimes to find the tipping point and get the balance right.
“The rewards for big guys who can do special things if they are fit and healthy are massive. You do not get them if you eat what you want and not look after yourself.
“You slip into becoming an average player who makes a living and that is not a path we want anyone here to take. Val is a very talented individual and he is determined to maximise his ability.”
It was only a couple of seasons ago that Gloucester did not have anyone in the England squad, but Ruskin, Jack Singleton and Jonny May, before he dislocated his elbow, were called up this month and Skivington believes more are close to being summoned.
“I reckon there are three or four lads in our squad who are in the frame and the way they are approaching things here will help them get into the England squad before long,” said Skivington, whose side started the Premiership weekend in third place.
“You only have to look at the number of Saracens boys in the squad to know that things align if your club is doing well. We will lose 10 players to international teams next month and while it will be challenging for us, there are also a number of positives. It will serve us well in the long run.”
