Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond has backed flank Jono Ross to make England’s squad for their June Test series against the Springboks.

Ross has enjoyed a solid first season for the Manchester-based team, making 26 appearances and scoring a try after signing from Stade Français.

The former Bulls captain qualifies for England selection through his grandmother, and despite the team coming off a loss to the Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership, Diamond insists Ross has done enough to feature in Eddie Jones’ squad.

‘He’s a Test player,’ Diamond said. ‘His statistics are very high, he’s got a lot of experience under his belt and is still only 27, but that’s in the lap of the gods really.

‘He would be in most teams in the world’s top-six, or certainly in their squads, but England do have a plethora of players in these positions. If it’s not this summer, it won’t be too long before the doorbell rings for Jono.’

Ross says his focus is on performing for Sale.

‘I can’t control what happens outside of here, I can only control my performances. It wasn’t good enough on Saturday [in the loss to Leicester], but if I get picked, then great. If I don’t, I will have a good break and come back stronger next year.’

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