Biarritz powerhouse Ayoola Erinle is set to round off a roller-coaster year with his first cap for England against Australia.
Centre called up for England following move to Biarritz
Biarritz powerhouse Ayoola Erinle is set to round off an roller-coaster year by winning his first cap for England against Australia at Twickenham.
Twelve months ago Erinle was on loan to Championship club Nottingham and doubtful of whether he had any future in the game after failing to break into the Leicester team.
The centre has since turned his career around by following in the footsteps of Jonny Wilkinson and Steve Thompson with a move to France.
The 29-year-old was initially called into the England squad to provide injury cover, but has found himself on the bench preparing to face the Wallabies.
"If I am brutally honest, my prospects of playing for England were a dream that had been and gone. You try to hold on to it - but as time goes on, it starts to fade away," said Erinle.
"When I went to Biarritz I just thought. 'At least I will be playing rugby and enjoying myself'.
"Before that I was in a pretty dark place. I was questioning what the point was - but thank God I am in the position now.
"The Leicester coaches were apologetic about the fact I wasn't really given a chance, and I had to make a decision. The opportunity came up at Biarritz, and I took it with both hands.
"I hope if I get the chance on Saturday to come off the bench I will vindicate the coaches' decision to bring me into the 22."
Confidence
A run of games in the Top 14 has helped rebuild Erinle's demolished confidence and he is enjoying life in France.
"It is everything you envisage," he said. "The French lifestyle is interesting - very laid-back - but they are hugely passionate about their rugby.
"They haven't changed me as a player; they have just made me more confident by playing me week in and week out. I have had my longest run of games in quite a while."
