Launchbury: England role is still crucial

JOE Launchbury takes enormous satisfaction from the current phase of his England career even though his days of being an automatic starter appear to be behind him.

Launchbury started 21 straight Tests from 2012 to 2015 when he was considered an automatic pick for the second row, but the emergence of Maro Itoje and George Kruis and the resurgence of Courtney Lawes have forced the Wasps ace on to the fringes of selection.

The 28-year-old was taken to Japan for last autumn’s World Cup but made just one appearance against the United States and was overlooked even for a bench role for the knockout games.

Wasps star Joe Launchbury

But in the wake of appearing as a replacement in the 13-6 victory over Scotland in round two of the Guinness Six Nations, he insists his international career remains fulfilling.

“In a strange way, I’m extremely proud of my last couple of years of playing for England,” the Wasps forward said ahead of Sunday’s clash with Ireland.

“When I first broke into the team I probably played a lot and started a lot, and that was something I didn’t know would happen. But it happened and I went with it. But now we’re in such a fortunate position with the team in that we have so many great players.

“I look at the strength in depth, particularly in my position, and I think, ‘What a great team to be part of’.

“For us as players it’s a huge thing to be part of this team and we know that Tests are won in the last parts of games. So if your role is to be on the bench, then your role is just as important.”