Sharples spent the summer based at the Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot as part of Johnson’s initial 45-man training squad.

Although as Johnson trimmed his squad to 35 – Sharples was one of the unfortunate ten players to see their World Cup adventure end prematurely.

Sharples’ absence in New Zealand may yet be a blessing in disguise as England failed to cover themselves in any glory and after squeezing through against Scotland and Argentina – were eliminated at the hands of France at the quarter-final stage.

Johnson is under pressure to replace the likes of veteran backs Jonny Wilkinson, Mark Cueto and Mike Tindall, meaning new kid on the block, Sharples, could yet be unleashed during next year’s RBS 6 Nations.  

“I had a taste of it over the summer and it was a great experience,” said Sharples, speaking at the launch of the LV= Cup at Kingsholm.  

“It was a really great learning experience. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the camp although it's tinged with a bit of disappointment at not making that final squad.

“I'd like to be kicking around that mix this year and in the future but before any of that you have to be playing well for your club so that's very much my priority at the moment.

“I need to put in some good performances for Gloucester and if I do that then normally rewards will come off the back of it.”