Flanker Steffon Armitage believes move to France has revitalised his career
Tuesday 20 November 2012 05:42, UK
Image:Steffon Armitage: won the last of his five England caps off the bench against Italy back in 2010
Steffon Armitage remains hopeful he will get the chance to play for England again in the near future.
Revitalised
Armitage last appeared for England off the bench against Italy in 2010 and had fallen out of favour with then national team coach Martin Johnson when he moved to Toulon 18 months ago.
The switch has revitalised his career to such an extent that he has been awarded the prestigious Midi Olympique 'Oscar' for the best overseas player in the French domestic league.
"I knew what the risk was coming to France but I thought it would help my career more. I thought I needed that extra boost, to get back that feeling of always wanting more," he added.
"I didn't think I could get that from staying at Irish.
"I knew it was going to be quite tough to come in and secure a starting place week in and week out.
"Toulon have players like Joe Van Niekerk and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, a lot of international players.
"I knew it was going to be hard but maybe because of them I am playing better.
"I have matured a lot in the game. In the past I didn't always make the right decisions on the pitch. I am learning to be in the right place at the right time."
