Armand adopts positive outlook
By Mark Stevens
14/3/18
Don Armand says he is ready to answer England's call-to-arms and play his part as Eddie Jones' side look to end their NatWest Six Nations Championship on a high note against Ireland this Saturday.
The Exeter Chiefs back-row forward was called up by Jones on Sunday, answering a call from the Aussie coach whilst out enjoying an early morning swimming session with daughter Lori.
Now, he is expected to line-up alongside club-mates Luke Cowan-Dickie and Sam Simmonds in an England team, who having surrendered their Six Nations title last weekend, will now be aiming to thwart the Irish from claiming the Grand Slam.
The clamour for the 29-year-old to be named in the England squad has been intensifying throughout the course of the season, such has been the on-field form of the Harare-born ace, who has scored seven tries in 22 appearances this term.
Jones has previously cited a need for Armand to rack up more ‘involvements’ - and to be more prominent in his ball carries in traffic. However, his club form for the Chiefs, together with injuries to both Nathan Hughes and Courtney Lawes, has given the Exeter man his chance to shine
Clearly Armand is relishing the chance to contribute even if he has had to juggle family responsibilities.
“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,” recounted Armand. “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.”
Since arriving on English soil in 2013 from South African side, the Stormers, Armand has impressed many with his on-field performances, the pick of which remains his man-of-the-match performance in last season's Aviva Premiership final against Wasps
However, the player himself has never made any issue of not getting selected at a higher level, getting his head down and working on his game and retaining faith in his own abilities.
“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.”
And if Armand does feature at the weekend, it's an opportunity he is clearly relishing.
"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."