It is Brake’s second such call-up this season, having joined the Sevens squad in San Diego in February. He played against both the USA and Australia during the Californian leg of the IRB Series.

“It is fantastic being called into the England Sevens squad again," he said. "I only found out for definite on Sunday morning and had to fly on Sunday night!  I like to think I was called in as I played quite well in San Diego, and also I was at training camp a couple of weeks ago.  Playing in my second tournament gives me a bit of an advantage in that I know what is expected of me.  Last time I was surprised by how fast the international sevens game was but now I know what to expect and what is expected of me as an England player.

“When I look back at San Diego, it was an incredible experience.  Even though we were disappointed by our performance I learned a lot from being involved."

John Brake in San Diego

Brake continued: "I have been to Australia before with school, but this is my first time to Adelaide. It looks like a nice city and the weather has been fantastic which helps.  It is nice to be training in a vest and shorts rather than the ten layers of tracksuit bottoms and tops we have to wear at home at the moment! 

"I am really excited about the tournament at the weekend but also have a few nerves. I don’t think I will ever stop being nervous about playing for England but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Nerves can help you perform well.

"I am also on stand by for the Under 19s World Cup in Belfast although am out here until next Tuesday.  I didn’t have much chance to speak to David Smith before he went out there, but I wished him luck last time I spoke to him, and will keep up to date with their progress.”

Saints Academy coach Ali Hepher is delighted to see that Brake has been recognised once more by the national selectors.

“John’s worked hard throughout the year,” he said. “We see this as good development for his game and I think he’ll be very successful within the Sevens set-up going forward.”

England play in the Adelaide Sevens this weekend (7th & 8th April). You can follow John's progress this weekend at www.rfu.com/sevens.