'He's a fighter' – Johann van Graan on England discard Ben Spencer

Johann van Graan has responded to Ben Spencer’s England snub by insisting his star scrum-half and captain will not take the disappointment lying down.

Having waited well over four years to add to the four England caps he won between 2018-19, the 32-year-old worked his way into Steve Borthwick’s plans at the start of this year and played in the Calcutta Cup defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.

Spencer then appeared off the bench in the 16-15 first Test defeat to New Zealand this July before being handed his first international start against the All Blacks at the start of the Autumn Nations Series.

The former Saracens man took the opportunity handed to him because of Alex Mitchell’s neck injury and retained his place for the Australia defeat a week later.

However, Spencer was deemed surplus to requirements and jettisoned from the matchday 23 altogether for the next two Tests, against South Africa and Fiji, with Jack van Poortvliet and Harry Randall preferred instead, despite neither covering themselves in glory.

Given he’s not played for the last two weeks it seems highly likely that Spencer will be welcomed straight back into the Bath team for this Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership tea-time kick-off at home to Exeter.

“He was disappointed but I think he has handled himself really well, really professionally,” van Graan told the media today.

“England matters to him. I thought he played really well in the first two Test matches.

“But I am not going to comment on England selection, that’s Steve’s decision and whatever decisions he makes, he makes.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

25

20

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

“I am looking forward to having Ben back, he is our club captain and has been in incredible form for us for the last two-and-a-half-seasons.

“What I would say is Ben is a fighter and it is very important for him to play international rugby.

“He loved his two starts against the All Blacks and the Wallabies.”

Whilst Spencer’s return to the Bath XV looks nailed on, a collaborative decision will be made between club and country and coach and player regarding other internationals such as England pair Ollie Lawrence and Will Stuart, who featured more prominently over the Autumn.

“Every player is available for the weekend should I wish to choose (them),” van Graan confirmed.