Mullan, a Worcester academy product, produced an outstanding display last weekend when he took on Leicester’s former England prop Julian White, earning himself rave reviews from Warriors boss Mike Ruddock.

Ruddock said: “Matt, in my opinion, will play for England. He is a fantastic young player, totally dedicated and is only just 21.

“He did really well up against Julian White, and around the field, he has a great work-rate. He has also played hooker for us, and in my mind, he is the modern-day prop forward.

“It is a big statement to make, but I’ve seen people over the years — players like (Wales international) Colin Charvis — who you know straight away will be good enough to play for their country, so I am quite confident in my statement.

“I wouldn’t want to put extra pressure on him as a young prop by saying how soon — he still has to go through the highs and lows of learning his trade against more experienced props - but I would have certainly thought he is worthy of an England Saxons place by the end of the season.”