Thursday 26 May 2016 14:20, UK
Luther Burrell is enjoying being back in the England fold after new coach Eddie Jones ended his spell in the international wilderness.
Burrell is hoping to start in Sunday's clash with Wales - live on Sky Sports - and stake a claim for a place on this summer's tour to Australia following Manu Tuilagi's withdrawal from the squad through injury.
The Northampton centre was surprisingly overlooked for England's World Cup squad by former coach Stuart Lancaster who selected Rugby League convert Sam Burgess ahead of Burrell.
England's disastrous showing at the tournament - they became the first hosts to exit at the pool stage - saw a change in coach and a change in fortune for Burrell who was recalled for their final Six Nations game.
Burrell did not play a part in the Grand Slam-clinching win over Ireland but is excited to feel part of Jones' plans and England's future.
"It's very exciting," Burrell told Sky Sports News HQ. "Obviously it's been long time for me.
"It was a disappointing period for me back in August but that was eight months ago now. I'm excited to be part of this group of players and moving forward.
"It was a huge setback for me both on and off the field. It doesn't just affect me, it affects people around me.
"For me I had to go back to the drawing board and strip back all that disappointment and really start again. It's been an exciting period for me. I have been in and out of the squad in the Six Nations.
"I was chomping at the bit to get an opportunity. It didn't quite happen. But it's about here and now and I'm excited to be part of this team."
Burrell also expressed his sympathy for Tuilagi who was forced to pull out of the England squad after suffering a hamstring injury playing for Leicester in last weekend's Premiership semi-final against Saracens.
However, Burrell does accept that Tuilagi's loss could be his gain.
"It's very disappointing for Manu," he added. "He's a good friend of mine. He's a great player. These injuries happen, so disappointing for him. But it does open the door for somebody else.
"We will see what happens. Obviously I have to take care of business if I'm involved at the weekend that's first and foremost for me."
