Rising Son: Lewis Ludlam
Find out more about the grassroots journeys of England's Rising Sons.
It was in the unlikely setting of a sixth form musical that a young Lewis Ludlam displayed the kind of attitude that has earned him international selection according to his former director of rugby, Mark Patterson.
“The drama department were short of cast members and it looked like the performance may not be able to go ahead,” says Patterson, Ludlam’s first coach at St Joseph’s College in Ipswich.
“I asked Lewis and a few other guys in the school team to step in and they did just that. It did look quite funny seeing these six big, burly rugby players in the school musical.
“For me that kind of sums him up. That was what Lewis was always like, he is the most genuine guy I know and would always help people in situations like that.”
Change of scene
From musicals to the rugby pitch, Ludlam's burst onto the international stage has come as no surprise to Patterson who first scouted a 13-year-old Ludlam playing for Ipsiwch RFC.
“He stood out immediately but not just for his raw talent but just his manner and his clear hunger.
“We offered him a scholarship to the college and he thrived in that environment. You wouldn’t have necessarily said he was always the best player in every team but he was always the most dedicated and that attitude will get you far.”
Ukuleles and anthems
Ludlam had been released by Northampton’s junior academy as a teenager but remained determined to become a professional rugby player.
“He was in no uncertain terms about what he wanted to achieve and I think there was an element of proving some people wrong," says Patterson.
Ludlam went on to lead his school side to national finals and their first win at the St Joseph’s College festival in 35 years.
And while devoted to rugby, he still had to time to pursue other interests away from the pitch.
“He was a very rounded student. He actually played the ukulele quite a lot and you won’t meet many players as well read as he is, he knows his Shakespeare.
“You won’t find a teacher with a bad word to say about him and that is credit to him and his parents.”
Ludlam’s primary school teacher Sandra Taylor described him as a ‘delightful pupil’ and was there at Twickenham to see him make his debut 13 years after Ludlam said he would get her tickets to a match when he played for his country.
When the debut came Ludlam was able to spot his dad Arron in the crowd while singing the national anthem, a moment that Patterson says was fitting.
“That was really special and an emotional moment because we are all just so proud of him.
“He has shown what incredible hard work can achieve and done it all while being the nicest and most humble guy you could meet.”
