Following his standout performance in England's win in Cardiff last weekend, Lewis Ludlam's former youth coach Andy Howe believes the Northampton star's determination and work ethic is the reason he's where he is today.
Ludlam and Jack Willis have been deemed England's new ‘Kamikaze kids' as they dovetailed in Cardiff to help see England over the line against Wales with their breakdown work crucial to the win.
Ipswich-born Ludlam spent the majority of his youth career at Colchester Rugby Club under the guidance of youth team coach Howe, where he blossomed into a talented back row who earned himself a St Joseph's School scholarship and then Northampton and England honours.
Howe told The Rugby Paper: “Lewis came to Colchester at 11, he was one of the starting first team but wasn't necessarily the best player we had as he was one of a number of very good players.
“He played for us for several years throughout the age groups and was very determined. He's a strong character which is the one thing that set him apart from other lads who were equally as skilled, if not more skilled but didn't necessarily have the determination, commitment and the drive that Lewis had.
“That showed when he was dropped by Northampton Saints as he was determined to prove them wrong and get back in there.
“I don't ever remember him missing a training session. He may have missed one or two due to other rugby commitments with St Joseph's School or Saints but if there was a training session he'd be the first one there and last to leave.”
Ludlam started his rugby at his local club Ipswich but after starring against Howe's side in a defeat, he caught the attention of the National Three side.
Howe added: “He's from Ipswich but at the time Colchester had a very good side and we thrashed Ipswich, but he was clearly Ipswich's best player. Not to be derogatory about Ipswich but they probably didn't have many other good players, so he was looking to develop his rugby. He could see the benefit of joining Colchester to play harder, better games.”
Back row Ludlam, 27, started his rugby career as a centre but it was Howe who decided to turn the 6ft 4in, 17st 6lb abrasive powerhouse into a flanker.
He said: “I don't think he had the ability for the centres; Lewis wasn't quick enough but his aggression suited him to the back row. He's an abrasive player who plays on the right side of the law. You get some players who are aggressive in the wrong way and he was always very physical but in the right way. That's shown as he's never had a yellow card for England and only one for Northampton.”
Last Saturday was a memorable occasion for all involved at Colchester and Howe says the club are immensely proud of Ludlam who has earned 14 caps and played over 100 games for Northampton.
He said: “What he's achieved is absolutely superb. Colchester haven't had that many internationals, we breed a lot of U18s and university players but in terms of full caps there's not many, so it's an immense achievement. Everyone says where did you play and his first club was Ipswich but I personally feel he developed the most at Colchester in his primitive years playing between 11 and 16. It was where he got picked up for a scholarship at St Joseph's and then Northampton.
“Last Saturday showed his attitude. He went to the World Cup probably got knocked back a little bit in terms of people in front of him in the six or seven shirts but he's now playing even better in this Six Nations and showing why he deserves to play for England.”
