Worcester Warriors prop Matt Mullan has spoken of his ‘nice surprise’ at being named in the England Saxons squad – but vowed the call-up will not shift his focus away from his work at Sixways.
Mullan, who has just returned to the Warriors squad after a three month layoff with a hamstring injury, is part of the England Saxons EPS by Head Coach Stuart Lancaster.
However, the level-headed 22-year-old is keen to keep his concentration on club rugby and forcing his way back into the Warriors starting line-up.
“My initial reaction to the call-up was one of surprise, but a nice surprise. I’m really pleased to be named because being out for so long I wasn’t sure I would be involved,” said Mullan.
“I have kept in touch with the England selectors during my time off and I have worked really hard during the three months out.
“If I get any chance of playing representative rugby at any point I just hope it goes well.”
Warriors Academy product Mullan has endured some bad luck with England honours in recent years.
The front row ace was twice being denied an England Saxons debut during the 2008/09 season as a rearranged Guinness Premiership match prevented him from facing Portugal in January before a frozen pitch saw a last minute call-off of the clash with Ireland ‘A’ in February.
Injuries then deprived him of the chance to feature in the summer tours and autumn internationals.
“I have had some cruel luck in the past – and the weather at the moment is not too clever either,” said former Bromsgrove School pupil Mullan.
“People are talking about the Six Nations, but I am not thinking about them.
“I need to try and play for Worcester. When all this talk first started 12 months ago I told everyone that I wouldn’t get picked for anything unless I was playing well for Worcester.
“I need to start for Warriors and that is a big challenge at the moment with Adam Black playing so well.
“My focus is on Madrid. It will be brilliant for me to get a start as it is just over four months since that happened. I just want to get out there and play for as long as I can and hope everything goes well for me.
“Once you are in the England environment the pressure is on all the time, not just when you are at Worcester but when you are away with England.
“But I can’t really think about playing well for myself and getting my chance for England. It’s about Worcester doing well and playing for them – without that nothing else happens.”
Watch England ace Matt Mullan in action in the Amlin Challenge Cup clash with Olympus Rugby XV Madrid. Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or visit the online TIckets section at www.warriors.co.uk