Lewsey: I'll bounce back

Axed England full-back Josh Lewsey is determined to come back stronger from being left out of the squad completely for the final Six Nations Championship against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Wasps player was the biggest high-profile casualty after a record-equalling defeat to France in Paris last weekend.

“It has not affected my resolve or dented my confidence as a player at all,” he told BBC Sport.

“In many ways it has strengthened it. To be left out of the squad entirely was very disappointing but you have just got to take it on the chin.

“I am not down about it. I have had harder things in my life and I will bounce back in the only way I know.”

Lewsey was one of six players dropped from the starting line-up despite starting 22 of England’s 23 Tests since their World Cup victory, only missing the recent win in Italy because of a shoulder injury.

“I have had a very good run and been very lucky. I am not the first player to be dropped by England and I won’t be the last.

“There were bound to be repercussions after a game like that and I was one of them.

“I have spoken to Andy and realise some of the reasons why I’ve been left out, so I take a bit of comfort from that.

“Obviously being dropped is not a positive thing but I am very positive and am looking at it in that way.

“I have got the weekend off and I am looking forward to spending some time away from rugby, then getting back to my club and playing some enjoyable rugby again in a team with smiles on our faces.”