Walker put in a fine man-of-the-match performance at the Twickenham Stoop for England’s 40-9 demolition of Wales and ran in a try in the following match against Italy as England won 42-7.

The young Harlequin, comfortable at both centre or on the wing, started all of England’s RBS 6 Nations matches and his excellent displays caught the eye of England Sevens selectors.

His quick feet and searing burst of pace make him well suited to the Sevens game and future teamma e for the trip to

Hong Kong, John Brake, can’t wait to test his mettle against the rapidly improving 19-year-old. 

“He is a very promising and exciting talent,” said Brake, formerly of Northampton.

“I’ve not come up against him yet but he’s got great gas, wheels, pace, whatever you want to call it, and I’ll make sure I’m fresh on my feet so I’m not rounded by a jet-lagged 19-year-old in training.

“I know how keen you can be when you’re 18 - I remember my own first experience of sevens with England. I was young and fresh and you want to do as best as you can and beat the older guys. That’s him now.

“It’s exciting to bring a fresh face in and he can come in and slot into centre and wing, give us a few options there and put some pressure on the guys who are starting. That competition’s really got us training hard in the last few weeks.”