Point to prove: Alex Corbisiero took five flights to travel from Salta to Brisbane and join up with the Lions

THE ENGLAND prop showed significant improvements in 2012 but injury ruined his chances of further development in the 2013 Six Nations and thus he had no chances to impress the Lions coaches. The 24-year-old, who is studying for a history degree, is leaving London Irish for Northampton next season.

WHY SELECTED

He’s improved significantly as a scrummager in recent seasons – Northampton have signed him as a replacement for the impressive Soane Tonga’uiha – and now he’s fully fit he can contribute in the loose too.

TEST PROSPECTS

Mako Vunipola is now the favourite for the starting jersey with Cian Healy and Gethin Jenkins heading home because of injury, but at the very least Corbisiero is in contention for a bench spot for the Test series. It’s all to play for at loosehead in the next three games.

GREATEST DAY

His Test debut against Italy in 2011. He was a late call-up to the starting XV after Tim Payne was ruled out with injury, but looked comfortable at the top level as England won 59-13 at Twickenham.

IF HE WERE A FOOD

Meatballs – a substantial package with Italian roots.

Prop arrival: England's Alex Corbisiero

FAST FACTS

Club London Irish

Age 24 (30 August 1988)

Born New York

Dimensions 6ft 1in & 18st 8lb

Country England

Test caps 18

Test points None

Every 2013 Lions player is profiled in the July edition of Rugby World, with Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan giving his verdict on each member of the squad. It’s on sale now.