“It’s obviously an honour to be selected in an England squad,” Borthwick said. “It’s a 28-man squad at the moment and hopefully I’ll get opportunity to be involved in the matchday squad. But it’s certainly a step forward from where I was.”

Borthwick last played for England against Ireland in last year’s RBS 6 Nations, but injury prevented him from touring with his country in the summer and from participating in the Investec Autumn International series, and he was disappointed to miss out.

“You are always aiming to be selected for England. Last summer I was not selected to tour to be given the summer to prepare, and then to get injured early in the season and miss out on the opportunity of the autumn internationals… it’s been a long road to try and fight my way back. But it’s a step into and England squad; the next thing is to get in the matchday squad and hopefully the starting team. Hopefully it’ll happen and if it doesn’t I’ll keep playing as best I can for Bath and hopefully it will happen soon.”

Borthwick played in Bath’s first two matches of the season, but did not take the field again until 6th January, when Bath played NEC Harlequins. Now the 27-year-old is simply enjoying pulling on his club shirt once more, and as ever he is concentrating hard on this weekend’s Guinness Premiership match against Worcester Warriors, and lining up alongside team-mate Danny Grewcock.

“It’s been fantastic to be back playing rugby. It was certainly a frustrating time being out injured. It’s great to be back playing and I’m really enjoying it. Hopefully we’ll get some great results for Bath for this last third of the season.

“Danny is a fantastic player. I think he is really and truly a world-class second-row forward. It’s great to play with him and hopefully we’ll get the opportunity this weekend in a Bath shirt, and hopefully we’ll get the opportunity in an England shirt again very soon.”

How does he assess England’s fortunes in the 6 Nations so far?

“Obviously England got off to a great start. It was a disappointing result over in Ireland. Ireland are a very strong side and I’m sure it’ll be a learning experience for the England team and hopefully the England squad will bounce back ready to finish these last two games on a real high.”

Steve Meehan, the Bath Head Coach, is very pleased for his captain. ”He’s somebody who worked hard in his rehabilitation when he was injured, he has worked hard on his rugby since he returned against Harlequins, and he’s worked hard for the team off the pitch. You certainly don’t begrudge anybody the chance to go and push their case. He is in the squad of 28 and for his sake let’s hope that he’s named inside the 22, and preferably inside the starting 15.”