Saracen’s Outhalf Lozowski Responds To Potential Italy Call-Up

Saracens outhalf, Alex Lozowski has vowed not to accept a call-up from Italy if he is left out of Eddie Jones’s 45-man squad on Friday for the autumn internationals.

The dual-qualified playmaker is wanted by both nations, with Jones publicly praising the 23-year-old and considering a fast-track pass to his Red Rose squad.

Italy coach Conor O’Shea has also been in contact with the rookie, who has started all of Saracens games this season since deputising for injured Owen Farrell.

‘It was a bit of surprise to hear Eddie’s comments,’ Lozowski told Sportsmail.

‘I’ve lived in England my whole life and playing for England would be the ultimate — it’s what I dreamed of.

‘I don’t want to slam the Italy door shut but, at this stage, I don’t want to rule myself out for England. I’m under no illusions because it’s clear England have a great bunch of young fly-halves.

‘But there’s also the agreement I made with Saracens; that I would cover during the international periods. If I tell them now that I want to go and play for Italy, that leaves the club in the lurch.’

O’Shea has said that will not pressurise the fly-half to make a decision, but revealed that he almost signed the youngster when he was coaching Harlequins.

‘Alex is a player I’ve admired for a long time,’ said O’Shea. ‘I’ve known him for around three years and I’ve known his dad [Rob, who player for England] for even longer.

‘I spoke to him about coming to Harlequins a while ago and I spoke to him before our summer tour. I’m well aware of who he is. We’ll talk again when he wants to make a decision

‘We’ve got a fantastic group of players in Italy. In terms of 10s, Carlo Canna and Tommy Allen are fantastic options for us. In terms of Alex, I’ll leave him to focus on Saracens.’ [Daily Mail]