Kruis’ ‘one-year-plus-one’ deal with Panasonic potentially removes him for the next two seasons, so 24-year old Ewels moves up the pecking order behind Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes and Joe Launchbury.
Ewels, so close to World Cup selection before Launchbury took the final second-row place, told The Rugby Paper: “I didn’t punch the air when George announced it, but I probably should have. I might get a game now and I’ll definitely send a message to say, ‘thanks!’.
“Seriously, though, good on him. It’s something George (right) wanted to do and he’s a good guy who’s been hugely successful with England and Saracens. He’s always had a bit of an edge towards travelling and experiencing a different culture, but I’m sure he’ll be back and one guy going doesn’t mean anything because the level of competition in England is ridiculous – you saw that with Alex Moon before the Six Nations.
“Alex came into the squad from Northampton and, having played against him a couple of times, he’s a big, physical guy who reminds you that nothing in rugby, and particularly international rugby, is ever a given. You’ve got to fight and scrap for everything, keep pushing and competing because the moment you stop improving the next guy will go flying right past you.”
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