Friday 22 January 2016 14:37, UK
Dylan Hartley admits he was worried his England career was over after missing out on the World Cup squad.
The Northampton hooker was omitted from Stuart Lancaster's squad for last year's showpiece for disciplinary reasons, but under new coach Eddie Jones he is back in the fold and is favourite to be named as the new team captain.
That announcement is expected on Monday, but Hartley, writing in his Sun column, says he is simply relieved to be back in the squad and in the mix for a place in the team.
"I've never taken representing my country for granted and this was the most nervous I have ever been before a squad announcement," he said.
"I wanted so badly to see my name on that piece of paper put out at Twickenham last week.
"And now going down to camp at [England's training base] Pennyhill Park, when I pull up at the gates that will make it all real again.
"I was a bit anxious when the call came from Eddie Jones because I haven't played much lately because of concussion and then a rib injury.
"It was a big relief when I finally spoke to him and we had a really good chat about rugby.
"Eddie has given me a few requests of what he would like to see from me - and a few tips."
Hartley is Northampton captain, and has captained England once before, in South Africa in 2012, but insists he is not even thinking - yet - about succeeding Chris Robshaw as captain.
"It would of course be an honour to do it again but I'm not getting carried away by it," he said.
"I led out the boys once when we drew against South Africa in Port Elizabeth in 2012.
"I just need to make sure I'm on that teamsheet before worrying about anything else. I just need to keep my head down and show my strengths out on the pitch."
