Lewis Ludlam set to put England career on hold with Northampton exit

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lewis Ludlam is set to put his England career on hold with the flanker departing Northampton Saints at the end of the season. “Ever since I started playing rugby as an eight-year-old, I dreamt of being a Saint,” Ludlam, who missed out on selection for Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad, said. At the end of the season, I say goodbye as a player to start a new adventure, but I will always be a Saints man.” Ludlam is only recently back from a two-month injury absence with Northampton flying at the top of the Premiership table. “He came in as a youngster through the academy system, got straight into work training with the first team, and has transitioned into a key player for us as well as being the captain of the club – and he’s done an exceptional job leading the group, driving the energy and standards here.” open image in gallery Courtney Lawes has also been linked with a move to the Top 14 Northampton could also lose fellow stalwart back rower Courtney Lawes at the end of the season.