Armand promises energy and enthusiasm wherever he is asked to play

Don Armand had to cut short his daughter’s swimming session on Sunday to dash to London to bolster England’s injury-depleted squad as the Exeter Chiefs back-row forward finally gets the call-to-arms that many in the rugby community felt he merited a long time ago.

Armand is poised to bring the sort of power and no-nonsense work at the breakdown that England will need if they are to stop an Irish Grand Slam being achieved at Twickenham on Saturday.

The 29-year-old is in contention for a place in the match-day 23 as he offers cover across the back row, although Eddie Jones stated that he sees him as a No8 for this game, injury having deprived the head coach of Billy Vunipola, Nathan Hughes and Zach Mercer.

The Zimbabwe-born Armand, whose parents were forced to abandon the family farm in 2001 amid the Robert Mugabe land acquisitions, qualifies for England through his grandparents. He did win a cap on the tour to Argentina in June when 15 England players were on the Lions tour in New Zealand, but saw only 10 minutes of action from the bench in the first Test and was left out of the second.

Jones has overlooked his claims ever since despite widespread praise for his efforts at the Chiefs. The head coach has cited a need for Armand to rack up more “involve-

ments”, and to be more prominent in his ball-carries in traffic. Armand has taken it in his stride and is determined to add whatever value he can to England’s cause.

“A phone call from one of the England management said I was needed to come up and train,” recounted Armand. “Plans have to change with childcare but you understand in rugby you never want to hold yourself back. When you get this kind of opportunity, it is big.

“It’s what everyone works for so it was exciting. Energy and enthusiasm is what Eddie wants [from me]. I have played mostly six and seven. I’ve had a few games at eight. Whatever role it is I’m needed for, I am happy to try and fulfil.

“I haven’t come with any preconceived ideas,” Armand added. “My job is to make sure that I put my best foot forward and if Eddie wants anything specific, I can try and give it to him. We want England to be successful and the only way to do that is put the team first.”