Nick Easter once seemed destined to end his England career in World Cup failure, but after a stunning return to the international fold Red Rose captain Chris Robshaw is not ruling out packing down with his Harlequins team-mate at this year’s tournament, writes Paddy von Behr.

The 36-year-old was part of the starting XV as England were downed by France in the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals, with Easter omitted once Stuart Lancaster took up the head coach post the following year.

Yet a combination of the veteran number eight’s stellar form for Quins and an injury to Ben Morgan saw Easter make an unlikely comeback in this year’s Six Nations, following more than three years in international exile.

In running out as a replacement against Ireland, Easter also won his 50th cap for the Red Rose, a feat that Robshaw believes inspired his fellow back row to resume his international career.

And the England skipper insists Easter’s versatility in also being able to play at lock could see him steal a march on his rivals for a spot in Lancaster’s World Cup squad later this year.

“Nick has done a great job this season,” he said.

“He has been extremely patient over the last few years and he never gave up on trying to get back into that England setup.

“You have seen his ability to cover second row and the back row and he has proven to be pretty valuable. He has been a good guy to have around.

“He was so hungry to get his 50th cap as well and now he has done that he will hopefully get to another World Cup.

“It is a great lesson to people out there never to give up.”

Despite missing out on the Six Nations title to Ireland on points difference, it was still an encouraging tournament for the Red Rose, with the likes of up and coming stars Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson and George Ford firmly marking their territory on the international stage.

Lancaster’s side racked up a stunning 157 points in five games – the highest of any of the teams – and with that in mind, 28-year-old Robshaw believes the entire squad is well placed for taking on the world’s best.

“I can’t wait, it is very exciting. We are almost into camp now and once we are there it will be extremely intense and extremely challenging, but it’s a place you want to be,” he added.

“We are progressing and we have done a lot recently. You look at the way our attack has taken shape in the last Six Nations campaign and I think that was the biggest thing we really had to add to our boat.

“I’m really looking forward to it, when everyone is back fit as well. People say to be successful in the World Cup you have to have a squad.

“It’s not so much about the XV, it’s about the 30 there and – if injuries happen – the other guys coming in from the training squad who are really going to push on and excel.”

* Lawson Keys sponsor the 2015 National Rugby Awards. Register your club or player at nationalrugbyawards.co.uk by May 31.