'A great man for the job' - Ludlam joins Waller as co-captain at Saints

Teimana Harrison shared the role with Waller last season, but he has decided to focus fully on playing.

That has opened the door for Ludlam, who has long been touted as a potential Saints captain.

Back in January 2019, South African flanker Heinrich Brüssow, who was at Saints at the time, told this publication: "Lewis is a great rugby player but he's also a great person.

"He's keen to learn and he always wants to be the best at what he does.

"He's keen to ask questions and he also works really hard.

"He's a good inspiration, a good leader and he will probably be one of the club's captains one day.

"He's just a great example and you see by the way that he plays that he's got that warrior attitude that just keeps going and never stops.

"For me as an older guy helping him and seeing the way he evolves, it's really exciting for me."

And now Brüssow's prophecy has come true.

Ludlam, now 24 years old and an England player, has enjoyed a whirlwind two years since director of rugby Chris Boyd arrived at Franklin’s Gardens.

The flanker initially burst into the spotlight during the 2018/19 campaign to become a first-team regular for the first time in his fledgling career.

Catching the eye with his dogged ball-carrying and furious work-rate, Ludlam then earned his first international call-up ahead of last autumn’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.

He has since won eight caps for England.

Ludlam skippered Saints on several occasions during the 2019/20 season, showcasing his ability to lead from the front, and will now assume the role on a full-time basis.

And Saints boss Boyd said: “I think the model of leadership and influence we have in place now more accurately reflects the group.

“It’s time for the younger guys coming through to stand up and take some ownership around the place, so we felt having the connection between Alex and Lewis was a really good way to drive that.

“Lewis is someone that speaks really confidently in front of the group; he’s really positive but also happy to call people out when required, and he really embraces everything that playing for Saints is all about.

“Teimana was very happy to continue to captain the team but felt that the group needed a more active style of leadership, and Lewis was really keen to take on the role – I think he is a great man for the job.”