FORMER Worcester Warrior Ollie Lawrence reflected on a "surreal" experience as he starred in England's 31-14 Six Nations win over Italy on Sunday.

The Bath centre was named Man of the Match by ITV in what was head coach Steve Borthwick's first win in charge of the national team. 

Lawrence made the most metres for the home side (83), who secured a bonus-point victory over the Italians. 

It was the first time Lawrence has played in front of a sold-out Twickenham, with his other handful of caps coming in the covid period when attendances were reduced.

Borthwick called Lawrence into the squad for this game and he was thrust straight into the action from the start and he made a significant impact, making yards with every carry and getting England on the front foot. 

"Steve (Borthwick) said to me after last week that we needed to get on the front foot and that was my job; to get us over the gainline so we could attack on the edges," said the Worcester man at full-time.

"I thought we did really well, we took a massive stride forward. We are rebuilding, we are taking small steps and we aren't the finished product but we believe where we are going."

Lawrence struggled to impose himself in his first few appearances for England, which was not something he had much control over.

But since departing Worcester, following the club going into administration last year, he has excelled at new club Bath, so much so that it earned him a call-up to the 2023 Six Nations squad.

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It's been a tough season off the field for him, but now the good times seem to be coming his way.

"I try to carry hard and keep my head down," he added.

"In the past I have probably been too tense but i just listened to those around me, relaxed and did my job. The boys have got around me this week and pushed me to be better and hopefully now I can continue.

"It's surreal being here in front of fans at Twickenham, It's a pleasure to be here playing rugby in front of my family and friends.

"After everything that's gone on this year, I just want to keep working hard and things should come off the back of it."