Neil Back feels Hendre Fourie will become England's first-choice openside flanker ahead of next year's World Cup.
South Africa-born forward provides competition for places in pack
Leeds head coach Neil Back is tipping Hendre Fourie to become England's first-choice openside flanker ahead of next year's World Cup.
The performances of South Africa-born Fourie were crucial last season in helping Leeds defy the odds and retain their Premiership status.
The 30-year-old's form also caught the attention of national boss Martin Johnson, who picked him for the tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Although injury curtailed his involvement during the summer trip, Fourie has still been included in England's 32-man Elite Player Squad.
Stand-out
"For me, Hendre was the stand-out openside flanker in the Premiership last season," said Back, a former England flanker himself.
"He was doing everything slightly better than some great players in the Premiership.
"He got his opportunity with England and unfortunately he got injured during the summer tour, but he's in the 32-man squad this season and Johnno has an open mind about places in the side.
"Hendre is certainly a part of his plans at the moment and I believe that if he plays as well as he can this season then he can get that starting role with England."
However Fourie faces a real fight for the number seven shirt.
Lewis Moody is the current holder of the jersey and the Bath new boy captained England to a shock second Test win over Australia.
Tom Rees and Steffon Armitage are also strong contenders for the position, something Back believes can only be good for the national team.
Positional switch
"I know Lewis Moody so well from our time together at Leicester and England and he can also play blindside as well as openside flanker," he added.
"He's got tremendous ability and is a fantastic player, but Hendre will push Lewis very hard this season.
"That can only be good for England and Martin Johnson because you need competition for places."
Back's Leeds side open their Aviva Premiership season with a trip to Kingsholm to take on Gloucester on September 11
