Hassell-Collins earns England call-up

Ollie Hassell-Collins has been rewarded for his stellar season with London Irish with a call-up to the England squad for their Six Nations training camp next week.

Hassell-Collins, who went to school at St Bartholomew’s and first played rugby for Newbury RFC, was included in new head coach Steve Borthwick’s 36-man squad ahead of England’s Six Nations campaign, which begins against Scotland on February 4.

The 24-year-old winger has been one of the standout players in the Premiership, scoring nine tries this season.

Hassell-Collins, who is second in the league for defenders beaten and fourth for metres gained, admits he’s delighted with the call up but isn’t getting ahead of himself when it comes to a potential international debut.

“I’m over the moon, it’s a great feeling,” he said.

“Steve phoned me yesterday evening to let me know he was going to name me in the squad, it was a nice way to find out.

“I’m not even thinking about a debut at the moment, I’m just focused on the camp next week.

“I’m thinking about training well and learning as much as I can, seeing what Steve wants to do with the wingers and getting used to the new structures.

“I’ll give it everything I can and what will be will be.”

Hassell-Collins has long been touted as a future England star and was picked for two of Eddie Jones’ training squads without earning a cap, despite scoring 10 tries last season, but has always remained patient and will hope now he can start to reap the reward of an impressive 24 months.

And as he looks to make that elusive step up from domestic star to international mainstay, Hassell-Collins won’t be doing anything differently as he transitions from London Irish to England.

"I've been in and around the squad so I've got an idea of what to expect," he said.

"I'll keep the same mindset as always, I'll have fun and try to impress and hopefully that'll be enough."