It would later emerge that Ludlam had suffered a rib injury and missed the remainder of the tournament. In retrospect, especially with other back-row injuries, England missed him. 

Ludlam must have been immensely frustrated. Now, though, he can channel that into Northampton Saints’ push for the play-offs. Each season, it appears that one surprise package reaches the final stages.  

Northampton have been inconsistent over a long campaign, yet find themselves in fifth place within striking distance of a first top-four finish since 2019. Their overall record is eleven wins and nine losses from 20 league matches. With Ludlam, who has started 13 matches at openside flanker, they have won nine and lost four. Without their captain, they have won two and lost seven. 

On Saturday, in Saints’ 39-22 win over the beleaguered Bristol Bears, a number of moments summed up the versatility and value of Ludlam. Take this full line-out in the third minute.

Ludlam is lifted in the middle. In midfield, you can see Tommy Freeman and Fraser Dingwall ready to cut angles: