Rowntree relishing England return

By Mark Orlovac

Rowntree's last Test was a World Cup warm-up against France

Veteran prop Graham Rowntree admits he will be as excited as ever when he pulls on an England shirt for the 46th time in Saturday's Test against Canada.

The 33-year-old Leicester forward is thrilled to be back in the team, 14 months after his last appearance.

"It is awesome to be back. I was like a kid at Christmas when I was told I was in," he told BBC Sport.

"It means as much to me as it ever has done. I am delighted to be involved with such a talented young squad."

New England coach Andy Robinson opted for Rowntree's experience over emerging Sale prop Andrew Sheridan for his first game in charge.

The loose-head prop, who made his debut as a substitute against Scotland in 1995, missed out on making England's victorious World Cup squad, months after helping them to the Grand Slam.

Although he returned to the squad for last season's Six Nations campaign, he did not feature in any match-day 22.

When you are in the team you think 'there is real responsibility here. I hope I am up to it' Graham Rowntree

Instead he returned to the task of helping the Tigers regain domestic supremacy, and is now back in Test favour after the retirement of Jason Leonard and injury to Trevor Woodman.

"It is tough to break into this squad," Rowntree noted. "And when you are there you have to perform at a very high level otherwise you can be sure that there is always someone waiting to come in for you.

"I never thought that I had a chance of being involved for the Canada game. I have learnt never to look that far ahead.

"When you are told you are in the England team you are elated but then you think pretty quickly 'hang on, there is real responsibility here. I hope I am up to it'.

"It is impossible to explain what it is like to put on an England shirt.

"There is an absolute fear of letting not just the 75,000 people in the crowd down but also the people watching outside and the people who want to play in your position."

People are keen to put England back where they belong Graham Rowntree

Rowntree is one of the most durable and resilient players in the Premiership and has made over 350 appearances for his beloved Leicester.

Despite his disappointments over the last few years, he insists he never thought about following club colleagues Martin Johnson and Neil Back into Test retirement.

"It was hard at the time to miss the World Cup but you can only beat yourself up for so long," he said. "You get over it.

"But I never had any thoughts of quitting the England scene. One day I will not be good enough to play at this level and I'll be told that.

"But for as long as I am able, I still want to play for England. I think I have something to offer this England side and hopefully I can perform on Saturday.

"This is a talented, enthusiastic squad and there is a real energy about the place.

"People here are keen to do well and put England back where they belong."