Bath flanker Francois Louw has expressed his belief that Sam Burgess is good enough to play for England ahead of his expected call-up this week.
The rugby league convert started his Bath career as a centre but has recently moved to flanker, where his performances have drawn plenty of praise.
The 26-year-old is expected to be named in England's Rugby World Cup training squad later this week, and Louw insists that he has what it takes to succeed on the international stage.
He told the Bath Chronicle: "The type of player Sam is, I don't think he will struggle at international level.
"I think he'll definitely hold his own. From a back row perspective, I think he's improving game in, game out and I don't think it's going to be long before he makes his international debut for England on the flank.
"I believe he's got what it takes to play there and to have an influence on the international game from that position, so who knows? Maybe it will be this year, maybe it will be the World Cup and maybe I'll see him there.
Burgess scored a try as Bath beat Gloucester Rugby last weekend.
