Sarries flanker Will Fraser “can go all the way” and could make England’s Six Nations squad, according to forwards coach Paul Gustard.
Having seemingly overcome the injuries that blighted his early career, Fraser has played more minutes for Saracens so far this season than any other player except Steve Borthwick.
Gustard believes the 23-year-old can go to the very top and could even be included in Stuart Lancaster’s England squad for the Six Nations next month.
“I think Will can go all the way,” Gustard said.
“He is definitely the calibre of an England player – he’s still got parts of his game to work on but he’s not far off for me, he’s not far off at all.
“They’re looking around for a genuine seven in the England team – I’m not sure Chris Robshaw is a genuine out and out seven as much as a brilliant player Chris is – and I think you get something from Will that’s slightly different.”
Tenacious on the floor and incisive with his running lines, Fraser has brought an edge to Saracens’ forward play this season.
“Will brings a physicality – he’s got a big-man-strength about him for a 23-year-old,” Gustard continued.
“He’s very strong, physical and very confrontational and he’s cemented his role for us.
“For me he’s not far off, he might even feature for England come Six Nations time.”
Fraser was influential again last weekend as Saracens secured a valuable 17-16 victory over Northampton Saints which keeps Mark McCall’s men second in the Aviva Premiership.
The Men in Black have now recorded three victories on the bounce and will be looking to maintain their winning form when they host Sale Sharks at Vicarage Road on Sunday.
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