Danny Care is looking to make the most of his return to the England set up after nearly four years away, as he looks to land a history-making cap in their tour of Australia.
Care, 35, has not played for England since an Autumn Internationals victory against Japan in November 2018, after which he fell out with boss Eddie Jones.
But building bridges with Jones in spring has given Care the chance to become the longest serving back in England history, in terms of time between their first and last appearance.
The Harlequins scrum-half said: “Eddie texted me around my 250th Premiership game, said congrats about that, and I thought I’d shoot my shot and see what happens. I had nothing to lose.
“We met for a coffee, had a great chat, talked about life, how the game was going. He was complimentary about how I was playing, so I was happy with that.
“I laid it on the line and said I’d give anything to have another chance and help the team. I think I can. He said play well and we’ll see what happens.”
Perhaps it has been the freedom afforded by him to not have an international career going on at the same time as his club game, or the free-flowing style that he was instrumental in implementing at Quins from January 2021, but Care believes that he is a more effective operator than he was when he last played for England.
“I definitely think I’m a better player now than I was four years ago. Even three years ago,” he added.
“The main thing I’ve been trying to focus on is enjoyment, getting the most out of the game, trying to help the team.
“That frees me up because when I’m not thinking about things too much – that’s my type of game, the instinctive type of game. When I overthink stuff I don’t play my best rugby.”
Care will likely be looking to stretch this new dawn with his country to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and if he reaches that he would surpass the length of former lock Simon Shaw’s career for England (14 years and 305 days), having made his debut in June 2008.
If he plays in Australia, he will be the first back to have a career lasting more than 14 years, looking to surpass both Mike Catt and Jonny Wilkinson’s careers, which fell just short of that mark.
But Care seemed relaxed about how long this latest journey will last, and appeared grateful to even have the chance to play for his country again.
“I don’t know how long it’s going to last but one thing I’ll do is make sure I give it my all. Any opportunity I get I’ll try and take it and help the young lads out. I’m loving it,” he said.
“It’s something you think will never happen again. Deep down you go: ‘Maybe there’s a chance’. I’ve just tried to enjoy it and love every second of it.”
