Head Coach Richard Hill insists that prop ace Matt Mullan has a huge international career ahead of him – but believes any thought of an injury call-up to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand is unlikely.
After an injury hit 2010/11 RFU Championship campaign, Mullan has returned to full fitness and has shone through in Worcester’s opening two fixtures of the season.
The 24-year old – who already has over 70 games under his belt for the Warriors – is proving he has what it takes to build on his single England cap at international level that came in the 2010 Six Nations championship when came on as a substitute for Tim Payne in Rome against Italy.
However, Mullan does not believe that a call-up to replace the injured Andrew Sheridan will occur and boss Richard Hill admitted he had not received any contact in connection with the situation the other side of the globe.
“We have had no contact with anyone and I haven’t spoken to Matt about it,” said Hill.
“I’m sure the adrenaline will be running through him a little bit because they (England) will probably take someone over, but there are rumors it will be a back row forward or outside back that goes, if anyone.
“There are other options they could go for. Tim Payne will be there or thereabouts and Matt will lack the experience of some of the other props, Paul Doran-Jones and people like that.
“If England are looking for someone more experienced then maybe they will look at them. But if you want to take someone for whom it will be a good experience and is an up and coming talent then you look at Matt.
However, Hill believes it is only a matter of time before Mullan, who impressed for England Saxons last summer in the Churchill Cup, is once again playing in the international arena.
Hill added: “He is an outstanding player. When you watch him play, technically he is excellent. He listens and is very easy to coach. His set piece is good, he carries the ball well and because he is so mobile he is an excellent defender.
“There is not a lot that Matt has to work on, just get a little better across the board. He is a modern day loose head prop that can attack, defend and do the set piece well. He is a fantastic player.”