But the 27-year-old marked his return to action with a try inside 39 seconds in the Exiles’ 39-17 Aviva Premiership victory over Exeter.

And Armitage – whose brother Steffon also touched down against the Chiefs – is desperate to make an impression for all the right reasons as the English season comes to its climax.

“Martin Johnson has been really supportive. He’s rung me, got me down and kept me involved, which I am really grateful for because I still want to be involved,” said Armitage.

“It’s a big year with the World Cup coming. There are only five games left, but hopefully I can try to push to get a place in that 30-man squad. I need to be playing consistently well every weekend.

“I’m just happy to be back playing. There was a lot of energy after eight weeks out. I just wanted to get involved and get my hands on the ball.”