Armitage was sent back to the Exiles ahead of England’s final RBS 6 Nations match against France at the Stade de France.

Martin Johnson’s men lost 12-10 but Armitage’s replacement Ben Foden scored the only try of the game and earned rave reviews on his full debut.

Armitage started the first four games of Six Nations for England but has now set his sights on winning back his place on the summer tour to Australia and New Zealand.

“No-one likes to be yanked off the field when you're not injured, especially not in an international shirt,” said Armitage. “That was the lowest point in my international career.”

“That hit me hard, especially having to watch the game from home. Obviously I was still cheering the boys on, but I was really gutted not to have the chance to play at the Stade de France for England.

“I came back here to London Irish and the boys had forgotten about the internationals - it was banter straight away and the boys were taking the mick.

“It’s nice to come back and to get straight back in with a start because I think at the moment my confidence is a little bit broken.

“At the moment I’m just trying to keep my head down and concentrate on training and playing for London Irish. We’ll see what happens with England in the future.”