WARRIORS star Ben Howard has described his achievements over the past 12 months as a “whirlwind year.”

The winger has gone from Sixways academy prospect to being a World Cup winner with the England under 20s in one season.

Howard was part of the Red Rose nation’s 23-15 victory over Wales in the IRB Junior World Championship final at the Stade de la Rabine in Vannes, France, over the weekend.

That followed on from the 20-year-old featuring in England’s Six Nations triumph in February, which included another winner-takes-all clash against the Welsh.

Howard, who burst onto the Warriors scene with nine appearances in the 2013-14 campaign, said: “It’s unbelievable.

“I have never been involved with England age groups before and this year has been fantastic for me personally.

“Coming into this season, my aim was to get a look-in at Worcester in the first team, England under 20s was never on the cards. If someone had said I would be playing for the 20s, never mind winning the World Cup, I would have bitten their hand off.

“I was fortunate at Worcester in getting a chance to play but it’s been a bit of a whirlwind year.”

He continued: “It’s the icing on the cake to have won the World Cup. After winning the Six Nations we knew we would have a chance but it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”

England overturned a 15-3 half-time deficit against Wales to lift the crown for the first time with tries from Jack Nowell and Sam Hill, while Henry Slade converted both and also kicked three penalties.

Howard, who returns to training with Warriors on July 15, said: “We were a bit nervous and didn’t play how we can.

“It was a frustrating first-half but it was a relief in the second and we went out there and showed what we can do.”