He is already on Northampton's books and a regular this season since joining the club after the demise of London Irish. Tom Pearson, capped by England last summer, made his name as a marauding openside flanker, powerful on the charge and strong over the ball, but he has been encouraged, by club and country, to consider giving the blindside a go.
Northampton have been working on his defence and the set-pieces, the lineout especially, to see whether he would fit into the position where Lawes has established himself as a dominating presence.
"I do not know what position I will be playing this season, next season or a few years' time," said the 24-year-old Pearson, who scored a hat-trick against Bayonne on Friday and is in the mix for England's Six Nations squad which will be announced this week.
"I have been doing a lot more lineout work and I have spoken to different coaches about moving to the blindside. I have the scope to put on a bit of weight and as I am one of the heaviest 7s in the league, it would probably mean me becoming a 6. I am not opposed to that and it is a long-term option.
"I have had chats here and there with (England head coach) Steve Borth wick since the World Cup around how I am getting on and what I am working on. He is keen for me to be good in both positions and it helps to be versatile. Blindside is something I would like to do in the coming years, but no one will take the shirt off Courtney."
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Stade are heading in right direction
IS there an early winter equivalent to the idiom about solitary swallows and the impending arrival of summer? Because – whatever it might be, something involving snowflakes, perhaps, or frosts – that’s the situation at Stade Francais right now.
Borthwick needs to sort out defence
WELL surprise, surprise England at last managed to win at home in front of a nearly full Allianz stadium even if it was against a team that they had thrashed just a few months earlier.
Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge
HELENA Rowland believes England Women have been given advance warning that next year’s Rugby World Cup is to be no formality.
All my energy is going into Beziers
IT’S a dream to be a part-share owner of AS Beziers Hérault, the 11-time French champions, along with Andrew Mehrtens and Bobby Skinstad.
Fylde left to count cost of the cards
LEEDS TYKES were thankful for their resolute defence as they clung on to claim a narrow win against Fylde.
O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings
EXETER University flyhalf Lewis O’Grady is enjoying the physicality of National 2 West and insists it is the best preparation for his transition to senior rugby after graduation.
It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham
PROUD Bristolian Hollie Cunningham hopes to inspire the next generation of Bears players and can’t see herself ever playing for anyone else.
Bristol hit heights to take down champions
BRISTOL Bears head coach Dave Ward could not hide his delight following an impressive victory over reigning PWR champions Gloucester Hartpury at Kingsholm.
Good to see the Eagles soaring again
THAT’S a wrap for the autumn Tests and it would be remiss not to scroll through the undercard and round up the best of the action outside of the A list matches. A quick crib sheet for those not paying attention at the back.
Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash
FRESH from his dream Wales debut, Freddie Thomas has set his sights on helping Gloucester conquer Europe.
