However after a brief hospital trip the 22-year-old – who was forced to sit out this year’s RBS 6 Nations -was given the all-clear when an x-ray revealed no significant damage.

Thoughts now turn to England’s first World Cup warm-up game against Wales on August 6 and Lawes – like the rest of the 45-man training squad – is desperate to impress and book his spot on the New Zealand-bound plane.

“It would be incredible to go, but first and foremost I need to concentrate on performing in training and making the most of my opportunities as and when they come about,” said Lawes.

“It’s all going really well, we seem to be getting better with each training session which is what you want in the lead up to the World Cup. It’s great to be with all the boys, but we have 45 players here at the moment and only 30 players will be on that plane.

“It was so frustrating missing the 6 Nations, particularly as I was fit for the last two games, but the lads were winning and that’s what matters.  I came back and played well for Saints towards the end of the season though which will hopefully bode well during these training camps.”