CENTRE Ollie Lawrence has set his sights on playing in next summer’s World Rugby U20 Championship with England after the “disappointment” of missing out on this year’s tournament.

The talented 19-year-old went from playing for Worcester Warriors’ under 18s to starring for the first team last term and also made a sharp rise through the national age groups.

After being originally called up to play for England under 18s in late February Lawrence was swiftly promoted to Steve Bates’ under 20s side to face Scotland in the Six Nations.

The academy ace’s eye-catching showings for club and country then resulted in a surprise call-up by England chief Eddie Jones for a senior training camp in May.

But Lawrence failed to secure a place in Bates’ 28-man squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship — a decision that has fuelled his desire to make the cut next year.

“It was a disappointment but you have got to look at the bigger picture,” Lawrence said.

“They made that selection for a certain reason and obviously I did not fit the mould at the time.

“I spoke to the coaches as to why they did not select me and I was happy with their reason.

“I have just got to keep working hard and hopefully get my chance next year.

“It would be nice to go to the world championship. That’s always been a goal as it is a big tournament.

“Hopefully on the back of good performances this season I will get selected.”

Since making his Warriors debut against Sale Sharks in November last year Lawrence has turned out four further times in the blue and gold.

He made his Premiership bow when he came off the bench at Exeter Chiefs last month and played a starring role in last Saturday’s victory at Stade Francais in the European Challenge Cup.

Birmingham-born Lawrence faces strong competition at centre but has got his eyes set on his preferred number 13 slot.

“I don’t think I’ve quite got the pace for 15 or the wings but at the end of the day I have got to be adaptable,” Lawrence said.

“I have got to be able to slot into those positions in case there are any other injuries but predominantly I do play in the centres.

“I like playing at 13 but I have got to be able to play 12 too because you switch positions in the game.”

Although Lawrence is keen to get the nod in Warriors’ midfield he insisted his centre colleagues have not held back in offering advice.

“The likes of Ryan Mills, Francois Venter and Ashley Beck have really helped me off the field,” Lawrence added.

“They look at the video after games and training sessions and (pin-point) small things they think I can improve on.”