David Seymour will complete a remarkable year when he heads out to Argentina for the Under 21 World Cup on Friday.
The 20-year-old flanker hopes to be a big part of England's trophy bid, but just 14 months ago he was playing for Chinnor in the South West league.
Seymour signed for Premiership side Saracens last summer and his career has gone from strength-to-strength since then.
And he says his World Cup squad call up is his greatest achievement so far.
He said: "Any appearance for your country is absolutely unbelievable and it's a dream just to put on that shirt.
"But to go the World Cup is an experience that anybody would kill to have.
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind, coming from where I was last year.
"I didn't expect to play one tenth of the games I have done."
A serious injury to club captain Richard Hill gave Seymour his chance in Saracens' first team and he took it with both hands, making 25 appearances.
His club form in turn saw him force his way into England's Under 21 Six Nations' team this year and made him an obvious pick for the World Cup.
"I didn't get a look in at any of the junior levels for England so to make it now feels even better," he said.
"The set-up with the England squad is phenomenal, it's all tailored to the players.
"It's an experience that I will never forget."
As a junior, Seymour progressed through the ranks at Chinnor and was recommended to Saracens by coach Lynn Evans.
The Seymour family have strong connections with Chinnor and on one occasion David, brothers Adam and Philip and dad Ian all turned out for the thirds.
Seymour has represented Oxfordshire at under 16, under 19, under 21 and senior level and was part of the county side that reached the Plate final at Twickenham in 2003.
He is now gunning for the world final in Mendoza, West Argentina on June 25 and says confidence is running high in the squad.
Before that England face pool matches against Samoa, South Africa and France.
Seymour said: "I think we have got a good chance because there are quite a few lads playing Premiership rugby week in, week out.
"We lost to France in the Six Nations in the last minute of injury time.
"It was only our second game together and it was a massive step forward from the first one.
"If we can carry on that level of performance we can beat them."
After Argentina it will soon be back to the Premiership for Seymour and with Hill now fit he admits it is unlikely he will match last season's appearance tally.
He said: "Realistically, I'm not going to keep Richard Hill out of the team.
"I just want to concentrate on training in the gym and working hard so that if an opportunity comes I will be able to take it."
England coach Nigel Redman said: "David is an outstanding member of the squad, both on and off the field.
"He's quick off the mark and combines this with an exceptional workrate.
"He's also a strong tackler and has made regular appearances for Saracens this season so brings with him valuable Premiership experience."
Seymour is following in a line of Oxfordshire rugby players who have made the grade with England.
Former Bicester juniors James Forrester, of Gloucester and new Worcester scrum half Andy Gomarsall, are in England's Churchill Cup squad.
Gomarsall said: "This season has been a massive hole for me not being involved in the Six Nations so it has spurred me on more than ever to re-establish myself in the England fold.
"I am looking forward to getting out there and doing the talking on the pitch."
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