In 1999, New Zealand-born Griffen arrived in Italy to play for Napoli but freely concedes it was to see the world rather than further his rugby career.

However, the dreadlocked Calvisano man has now made the graduation to the scrum-half role with his adopted country.

Griffen said: To see the Flaminio Stadium all sold out or go at the Stade de France and stand in front at 75,000 people who are singing the Marseillaise has give me a tremendous feeling.

Against the Scottish and also against the French I was also smiling because that was such an unforgettable moment.

You train hard every day and make lots of sacrifices when you play in the Six Nations where the atmosphere is unbelievable, to be honest. What more can you want?

I have never been happier and I am here to give it my best shot.