IN-FORM Welsh flanker Sam Lewis would be prepared to play for England if national boss Eddie Jones came calling.
Jones was present at Sixways on Sunday as Lewis played a starring role in Worcester Warriors’ 52-7 thrashing of Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership.
The 27-year-old who qualifies to play for England through his Leicester-born mother has reportedly attracted interest from Jones.
Since overcoming an injury-hit start to his Warriors career the tough-tackling back rower has been a consistent performer in the blue and gold over the past two years.
But while his team-mate Josh Adams has broken into the Wales fold Lewis has been unable to sway head coach Warren Gatland who has a wealth of options at openside flanker.
“There is such a good number of sevens in Wales at the moment,” Lewis said.
“I have not seen talent like this for years. Anyone can slot in there.”
England, meanwhile, have been searching for an answer at number seven although Sale Sharks’ Tom Curry did impress on the tour to South Africa this summer.
Asked whether he would be open to playing in the Red Rose, Lewis said: “I just want to play at the highest level I can so if an international (coach) comes calling I don’t think any player would turn that down.
“But I have just got to concentrate on playing for Worcester. I love playing for this club so whatever will be, will be.
“I try not to think about who is watching.
“I just try to concentrate on my own game.
“Having been out for a year as well I am just getting that love back for the game and am enjoying every minute that I get out there.
“I don’t know any player on the pitch who doesn’t want to play international rugby. That is always an ambition. If it comes it comes. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”
Lewis who attended Welsh-speaking secondary school Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr signed his first professional contract with Ospreys in 2012.
After making 65 appearances for the region, Lewis moved to Worcester in March 2015 but missed the entire 2015-16 season due to injury.
Lewis bounced back the following campaign and turned out 22 times last term, making 298 tackles and securing 11 turnovers in the Premiership.
In an interview with Wales Online in July Warriors forwards coach Mefin Davies revealed England’s interest in Lewis.
“England have scouted Sam, asking questions about his background and stuff,” said the former Wales hooker.
“He is dual-qualified because he has a mother who was born in Leicester.
"I used to know his parents well but I wasn’t aware until the other day that Sam qualifies for England.
“Even with Sam Warburton finishing, Wales have a lot of openside options but I have no doubt Sam Lewis is good enough for Test rugby.
“His form for us has been exceptional.”
Lewis has continued where he left off this term, featuring in five of Worcester’s past six Premiership games.
“I went through a tough time a couple of years ago but that just made me hungrier to get back and show what I am capable of," Lewis said.
“Hopefully I have done that.
“There is crazy competition here at the moment so everyone is champing at the bit.
“I have just got to keep focused and try to impress the coaches (at Warriors).”
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