Chamberlain meanwhile, has also been impressive in the centres, as England overcame disappointing defeats against Ireland and France to finish with victories over Italy and Wales and end up in third place.

A whole host of senior players were absent from England’s RBS 6 Nations campaign, opting instead to focus on Sevens and the World Cup later this year.

And head coach Barry Maddocks believes both Chamberlain and Thompson deserve to be rewarded for their performances with a call-up to the Sevens squad for the forthcoming World Series round in China.

“I’ve said all along I wanted to give players as much as experience as possible as we build towards the World Cup in June and that is what we are doing,” said Maddocks.

“Players like Abigail and Lydia have done well in the Six Nations and deserve their chance.”