FORMER Colchester Rugby Club youngster Lewis Ludlam will be hoping to help England book a World Cup semi-final spot this weekend.

And the talented Northampton Saints flanker deserves all of the success that comes his way, according to a man who knows him well.

Former Colchester RFC coach Tim Grimsey, who is now Saints Academy coach development officer, worked with Ludlam at Franklin's Gardens.

Ludlam progressed through the Saints academy programme having arrived in 2007 from Colchester, where he played from under-12 through to under-16 level.

And as the 23-year-old prepares for England's big quarter-final clash with Australia at the Oita Bank Dome on Saturday (8.15am kick-off UK time), he is being backed by Grimsey to shine.

Grimsey said: "What a challenge! To play against Australia and test himself against one of the best back rows players in the world.

"I'm sure he'll raise his game and rise to the challenge.

"When he came on for Billy Vunipola the other week (against Argentina), he had a massive impact.

"He looked like he found it very easy to come off the bench and make a big impression on the match.

"Everyone at the club is so proud of him, especially with him having come through the Academy.

"I was chatting to (Northampton Academy manager) Mark Hopley about Lewis and we were saying that it goes to show that you can do it.

"I did a presentation with Mark and we mentioned Lewis - he's a great model to the under-16 and under-18 players in our group at the moment and you couldn't ask for a better one than him.

"His work ethic is phenomenal - that's one of the biggest things that's got him to where he is now.

"It's seeing guys like Lewis go out and achieve what he has done that really makes the job worthwhile.

"Mark Hopley deserves a lot of credit and what he does with the boys in the Academy is truly amazing."

Ludlam, a former schoolboy at St Joseph’s College in Ipswich, has already represented England at both under-20 and under-18 level.

He was released by Northampton Academy in 2009 only to be brought back two years later and then sign a full-time contract, in 2013.

After making his international debut against Wales in the summer, he has gone on to win five England caps and is hoping to win another against the Wallabies.

"He's really taken to international rugby like a duck to water," added Grimsey.

"He's really taken it in his stride but it's absolutely no surprise to me, knowing what a good lad he is and the way that he conducts himself.

"Along with (ex-Colchester and now Northampton hooker) Mikey Haywood, he's one of the hardest-working players I've ever come across.

"To do what he's done so far has been amazing and what he's achieved in a year has been outstanding.

"He deserves everything he gets now, because of all of the hard work that he's put in and you can never knock that."