England centre Alex Lozowski is looking to make an impact and take a step forward this weekend in England’s third Autumn International against Japan after missing out on England’s first two games as he served a ban.
Lozowski, 25, had his ban for entering a ruck dangerously during Saracens Champions’ Cup win against Glasgow extended after joining the England camp.
After watching England’s games against South Africa and New Zealand from the sidelines, Lozowski, who was born in Brent and attended Watford Grammar School, is set to start at Twickenham in a centre partnership that also includes Exeter’s Jack Nowell.
Your England team, captained by @George_Fordy, to face Japan in the #QuilterInternationals on Saturday 🌹
Preview ➡ https://t.co/B5mMPoJxTU#ENGvJPN #CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/FEchrfEjIB
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 15, 2018
Lozowski told Sky Sports News: “It was hugely frustrating to be not sure what was going on, it was a shame but that’s how it turned out. It’s all behind me now and I’m happy to move on and look forward to the last two Tests that I am available for.”
England will be hoping to build on last weeks close defeat to The All Blacks and will be expecting less of a challenge against an ever improving, perennial underdog Japan side.
Japan, at the time led by current England head coach Eddie Jones, recorded a famous victory against South Africa during the last world cup and have since seen their international rugby stock rise and are now considered one of the world’s leading kicking sides.
BRAVE BLOSSOMS 🔴⚪🔴
Want to know more about rugby in Japan? 🇯🇵
Get your questions in below and our expert curator at the @wrugbymuseum will be answering the best ones LIVE on our Facebook page at 17:30 GMT… pic.twitter.com/ZL576MjcKh
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 15, 2018
This is only the second Test match between the two nations with the first coming in the inaugural Rugby World Cup, the match saw England beat Japan 60-7 in Sydney, Australia.
Words: George Robson | Subbing: Lee Pearson