Joel Kpoku flies the flag for English in the Challenge Cup final after reaping the rewards of a leap of faith with Lyon... and admits he is 'rattled' by Maro Itoje comparisons 

• Joel Kpoku played for England in the Under-20 World Cup in France in 2018
• The 22-year-old came through the academy at Saracens but left club last year
• He moved to France on two-year contract, shelving any international ambitions 

English flag-bearer Joel Kpoku has rediscovered his love for rugby as he prepares to lead Lyon’s charge in Friday’s Challenge Cup final.

The lock will be one of just two English players in the European title deciders, with Toulon prop Kieran Brookes also set to feature.

Kpoku, 22, disappeared off the radar when he left Saracens last year but earned comparisons with Maro Itoje after his man-of-the-match show against Wasps.

‘It rattles me a little bit that I’m still compared to Maro!’ he said. ‘He’s an exceptional player, yes, but I’m trying to create my own name really. I’m not trying to be compared to anybody. I want to be consistent and take my game to another level. I’m loving it out here so far.’

Having been tracked since playing for England in the Under-20 World Cup, Kpoku moved to France on a two-year contract, shelving any international ambitions. With Congolese parents, he speaks fluent French and that has helped make it a seamless transition.

‘I wanted to start afresh and get away,’ he said. ‘I felt I was lost in the rugby world. I had gone quiet and it was time to rejuvenate myself again.

‘My confidence was pretty low. Bath were also interested but I spoke to the people close to me and took a leap of faith. Thankfully it’s worked out so far.’