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Exeter Chiefs' Don Armand looks to impact Eddie Jones' England squad

Along with four other Exeter Chiefs players, Don Armand has been summoned by Eddie Jones to face Ireland in the Six Nation this weekend. 

Armand has only started two games this season for the Exeter Chiefs. 

Speaking to the cubs website Armand, who won his one and only England cap on last summers tour to Argentina, says: “I was taking my daughter to swimming and a phone call from one of the England management said I was needed to come up and train. Obviously plans have to change with childcare but you understand in rugby you never want to hold yourself back. When you get this kind of opportunity, it is big. It’s what everyone works for so it was exciting.

"Energy and enthusiasm is what Eddie wants (from me). I have played mostly six and seven. I’ve had a few games at eight, two starts this season. I’ve had a fair bit of experience in all three positions. I’m comfortable with No 8. Whatever role it is I’m needed for, I am happy to try and fulfil.”

“As any rugby player playing in the Premiership must think, you’ve always got to back your chances,” said Armand, who won his one and only England cap on last summer's tour to Argentina. “It is frustrating but I think it’s frustrating for anyone who thinks they can play at a high level.

"Eddie’s got to coach this team and have the players he thinks are the right fit. My role is wherever it needs to be. I haven’t come with any preconceived ideas. I don’t have these ideas of what I can bring. My job is to make sure that I put my best foot forward and if Eddie wants anything specific, I can try and give it to him.

"We want England to be successful and the only way to do that is put the team first. I don’t think I’d ever shun getting work-ons from Eddie. If I thought I was hard done by I would probably be thinking there were no improvements for me to make in my game, but everyone has got improvements.

"It's an exciting prospect for me individually," he added. "For the team it's another home game and it's really important the guys perform well. I think the guys are excited to be there."

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