England international Lewis Ludlam will not return to the PREM ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup after reportedly agreeing a new deal with Toulon.
According to RugbyRama, the 25-cap England international has extended his contract with the French side, with his current deal due to expire next summer.
Ludlam is reportedly set to sign a new two-year contract, meaning he would remain based outside England until at least 2029.
Under current RFU eligibility rules, players based overseas are not available for England selection, leaving Ludlam unable to return to the international set-up while he remains at Toulon.
He will join the likes of Jack and Tom Willis as forwards who may have been considered by Steve Borthwick but will now miss out on the tournament in Australia.
Now 30, Ludlam would be 33 when his new contract expires, potentially bringing an end to his England career.
According to RugbyRama, negotiations were straightforward, with the number eight and flanker quickly making it clear that he wanted to remain at Stade Mayol.
Ludlam rose through the Northampton Saints academy.
He made his Saints debut in 2016 before establishing himself during the 2018/19 season.
Ludlam became club captain in 2021 and earned his England debut in 2019, featuring at the Rugby World Cup that year.
He played in every game during the 2023 Six Nations before ending his England career and joining French side Toulon in 2024.
His desire to remain in France was also made clear on social media, where he replied directly to a fan: "Shout it from the mountains. I'm a Toulon player, let me stay here!"
Ludlam has since taken on a leadership role at Toulon, sharing the captaincy with Gaël Fickou and David Ribbans.
He has also built a strong reputation among Toulon supporters, who have taken to his all-action style and his willingness to do the less glamorous work around the breakdown and in defence.
