Graham Kitchener keen to grab England chance

Graham Kitchener is delighted to have been called up to the England squad for the first time and knows he has to seize the opportunity.

The Leicester Tigers lock – a former Shropshire schoolboys cricketer – is part of Stuart Lancaster's 42-man squad for next month's tour of South Africa and Kitchener is looking repay his faith.

"It's a massive honour to be called up by my country," said the 22-year-old, who also spent three years in the academy at Wolves. "I did not expect it, to be honest, and naturally I am delighted and really excited to be involved.

"I'm not expecting to play in the Tests but the coaching staff have indicated that I will play some part in the midweek games. I need to make sure I play as well as I can because this is a huge opportunity for me and I need to use it to force myself into the coach's future plans."

England play South Africa Barbarians South on June 13 and South Africa Barbarians North on June 19, while the three Tests take place on June 9, 16 and 23.

Kitchener, who is a former pupil of Adams Grammar School in Newport, worked with Lancaster previously when he was in charge of the England Saxons.

"I played under him in the Churchill Cup so he knows the type of character and the type of player I am," Kitchener said. "I wasn't surprised when he got the job because he is very diligent and shows great attention to detail.

"He is also a very good man-manager who gets the best out of players so I am really looking forward to working with him again."

Kitchener moved from Worcester Wanderers to Premiership big-hitters Leicester Tigers at the start of the season and hasn't featured as often as he would like.

But he admits playing for such a big club has helped him to improve his game.

"This season has been a bit hit-and-miss," Kitchener added. "I've not played as many first team games as I'd hoped but I have done a decent job when I've come in."