Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann has encouraged Eddie Jones to select Jason Woodward to play for England in June.

Woodward has been in excellent form for Gloucester this season and played another starring role in their European Challenge Cup semi-final win this past weekend.

Ackermann, who took over the reigns at Gloucester at the beginning of the European season, is convinced Woodward is ready to play for England against the Springboks in June.

‘I think he is definitely heading for that level,’ said Ackermann. ‘He can play on both wings, 13 and he enjoys fullback. He has skill, can offload in the tackle, has got an abundance of speed and he is great under the high ball.

‘Like any player, you have got your work-ons and stuff, but if you look at him, you see a versatile X-factor player.’

The New Zealand-born Woodward qualifies to play for England through his grandmother.

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