From Natal Midlands to HQ - the Michael Rhodes story

Michael Rhodes looks set to become the latest player to join Eddie Jones's foreign legion in the England squad after being named in the England training squad. 

The Saracens flanker had an interesting journey to the England squad having grown up in Durban where he attended the well renowned Michaelhouse, a school that has produced test players such as Pat Lambie, Ross Cronje, Andries Coetzee and Ruan Combrinck. 

He showed early signs of promise when he represented the Sharks in the 2005 Craven Week alongside future Saracens teammate Brad Barritt, Springbok captain Warren Whiteley and Pat Cilliers.

After school Rhodes attended the Sharks Academy and forced his way into the senior side making his Currie Cup debut in 2009.

By that time the aggressive flanker had already featured for the side against the British and Irish Lions, a side that he could well feature for against his home nation.

The following year he broke into the Sharks Super Rugby squad and featured 7 times for the side over the next two seasons before making the switch to the Lions alongside Pat Cilliers. 

After two years with the Lions, Rhodes signed a deal with the Stormers and it was with the Cape-based side that showed his promise as he was voted the most promising forward at the annual Western Province Awards in 2014.

In 2015 he signed for Saracens effectively paving the way to playing test rugby for England, something that the flanker admitted to the Telegraph last year was not in his plans saying:

“I haven’t done any proper research into it, I’ve just heard it’s a three-year rule and I have been here since July 2015,” 

“It’s not something I’ve really focused on. If it happened, it would be a dream come true, but if it doesn’t happen, so be it."

Rhodes has worked hard to make his way back into contention after suffering an injury to his right collarbone. 

After undergoing four operations to repair the damage, during which he discovered he was allergic to the titanium used to secure a piece of his hip bone.

He ended up having 4 operations during the 2017/18 season and was only able to make 12 appearances but looked to have got back to his best at the end of the season. 

Rhodes' versatility means that he will push for a place in the second row and at blindside in the England set-up.