Lewis Ludlam has finally unpacked the World Cup kitbag that has been festering on his living room floor now that he knows his England career is to be continued.
Eddie Jones' back-row bolter for Japan 2019 is in contention to start the Guinness Six Nations opener against France on Sunday after the broken arm sustained by Billy Vunipola created a vacancy at number eight.
Upon returning from Asia where he made four appearances including a start against the USA, the 24-year-old resolved not to move his kitbag from its new home until he was picked again.
"Just seeing my bag in the living room was always a little reminder of what I wanted to achieve," said Ludlam, who features in the 34-man training squad preparing for the Six Nations at England's Portugal training base.
He made a replacement appearance at number eight against Argentina at the World Cup but his experience in the position has been limited.
"I've always loved doing the carrying. I was really gutted to see Bill pick up an injury at an unfortunate time," Ludlam said.
"Eddie knows best and if he's got plans to play me at eight then I'm happy to play wherever. Growing up I played at eight from Under-14s and a little bit for the Wanderers at Northampton.
"We've been quite fortunate at Saints with good number eights like Teimana Harrison and Louis Picamoles.
"I probably haven't played as much eight as I'd have liked to, but I've got a little bit of experience there when Teimana's needed a rest. I'm happy at eight and enjoy playing there.
"(Forwards coach) Matt Proudfoot said to me that he doesn't want me to be a Billy Vunipola or a Sam Underhill or a Tom Curry, he just wants me to be myself.
"That's encouraging because it gives you the confidence to play your natural game and not try to do anything too differently to what you usually do.
"To hear that from a coach – 'go be a better version of yourself' – is a really encouraging thing."
