Atkinson was a shining light in a dismal domestic campaign for the Cherry and Whites last season and played a big part in helping the club reach the Challenge Cup final, featuring 25 times in all competitions.
Inside centre has been a headache position for England coaches but Atkinson is confident he can do a job.
The 5ft 10ins and 14st 6lbs Atkinson was left out of Steve Borthwick’s recent training squad, with Ollie Lawrence, Fraser Dingwall and Alex Lozowski the centre option.
Bath’s Lawrence has been the go-to man at 12 but has played just 19 per cent of his career in that position. Northampton’s Dingwall, who started England’s opening two Six Nations wins over Italy and Wales, started the first two games of his club’s title defence at 13.
This story is from the October 06, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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This story is from the October 06, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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