Delon Armitage is desperate to make a late-season push for a World Cup place after he returned from suspension.
Returning Exile hoping for World Cup push after comeback try
Delon Armitage is desperate to make a late-season push for a World Cup place after he returned from suspension with a man-of-the-match display for London Irish against Exeter.
Armitage took just 40 seconds to score a try in his first game back from an eight-match ban for abusing a drug testing official, as the Exiles ran out 39-17 winners against Exeter.
His ban meant Armitage missed out on England's RBS Six Nations campaign, and he has now well and truly fallen behind Ben Foden in the pecking order.
With just five Aviva Premiership games left to play, Armitage is aware that he needs some sparkling performances to get himself back in the reckoning for the World Cup.
Armitage revealed that he had been training with England during the Six Nations, and was thankful to Martin Johnson for keeping him involved as he now looks to get back into the England set-up.
Tough
"It was quite tough training, knowing that I couldn't play on the weekend, but I really enjoyed being part of it," said Armitage.
"Martin Johnson has been really supportive. He telephoned me, got me down and kept me involved, which I'm really grateful for because I want to be involved.
"It's a big year with the World Cup coming and, with only five league games left, hopefully I can push to get a place in that 30-man squad.
"I'm pleased for the guys who have been doing really well. It's about winning for England and if Foden and the boys are doing a job and we're winning I'm really happy."
Armitage was delighted to score and play so well in his comeback game, as he looks to help London Irish secure a play-off spot.
Comeback
"It's been a long eight weeks but it's great to be back," added Armitage. "I tracked Daniel Bowden and when he kicked through I made sure I got there for the try.
"I just wanted to get back playing in front of our home supporters with the boys who have supported me and helped me out through the hard times.
"It's been really tough watching the guys. With the squad we've got, we haven't been performing the best we can but today we showed we are contenders to be in the top four."
Exiles director of rugby Toby Booth said: "Delon was desperate to play. He had a tenacity and a desire to right the wrongs he put his hand up for and show he does his talking on the pitch, not off it. Class is permanent and he showed that today.
Rob Baxter, head coach of Exeter who were promoted to the Premiership last summer, said: "You are going to have some tough times, ride with them and take it on the chin - and this game was one of those.
"If you give a side like London Irish, with that many strike runners, that much time then they hurt you. Everyone needs to remember we are still a work in progress."