However, a cross-Channel move to Biarritz over the summer and injuries to first-choice centres Riki Flutey and World Cup winner Mike Tindall has seen Erinle’s international fortunes finally change. 

The 29-year-old made his England debut from the bench against Argentina before being handed a starting role against New Zealand – in favour of Shane Geraghty – as Johnson opted to bulk up his backline. 

Such opportunities seemed out of reach for Erinle at Wasps and Leicester and the Nigerian-born centre was quick to credit Johnson and no-one else after ending nearly a decade in the international wilderness. 

“I have had to watch a lot of England games in the past which is a shame because I have always felt capable of playing even if others didn’t,” said Erinle. 

“A number of people wouldn’t have even thought about me but Martin is a nice guy and it is just nice to have a coach who believes in you because in previous regimes I haven’t even been on the radar or been considered when all I want to do is play rugby. 

“I spoke to Mark van Gisbergen and Fraser Waters who have been in similar situations and they just said keep the faith and I did.

“There have been dark days especially when I was on loan at Nottingham in National One. I wasn’t getting time for whatever reason at Leicester and I just did what I had to do to keep myself ticking along because no-one else would.”