Kpoku bros pose Maro twin threat at Sarries

RISING Saracens star Joel Kpoku has boldly laid out his manifesto for usurping Maro Itoje and forcing his way into England’s reckoning for the 2023 World Cup.

- NEALE HARVEY

Prior to the coronavirus crisis halting the season in its tracks, Kpoku, 20, had exceeded his own expectations by becoming a regular Premiership starter, helping soon-to-be-relegated Saracens achieve notable victories over Sale, Northampton and Leicester.

Having already attracted interest from Red Rose boss Eddie Jones by being called up to an England training camp in August 2018, Kpoku is firmly on the Test radar – but he has to press his case from a season in the Championship, to which he is now committed.

Kpoku, whose twin brother Jon also has high ambitions with Saracens after spending a successful season on loan at Ampthill, told The Rugby Paper: “I was devastated when the season stopped because I’d taken my first team opportunity with both hands.

“To get the exposure I’ve had was quite a shock because I never expected to be in that position, but hopefully I can continue it now and step up even more in the Championship next season to help bring us back up and then move my career on from there.

“My aim is to be at the 2023 World Cup. Next season’s going to be hard with us being in the Championship but I’ve been on the fringes of the England squad before and next season’s going to give me a chance to show what I can do week-in, week-out.

“Then, if we do come back up, I aim to keep my shirt in the Premiership and show Eddie Jones what I can do. I had a taste of an England camp in August 2018 so I know what it takes to get there and now it’s about being determined in my goals and going for it.”