ACADEMY ace Ollie Lawrence described his unexpected England experience as “surreal” as he tried his best to keep his nerves in check and avoid looking star-struck.

The 19-year-old centre was a surprise name in Eddie Jones’ 31-man training squad that gathered in Brighton in May as England prepared for their summer tour to South Africa.

And Lawrence who had not even made a Premiership appearance admitted he had to pinch himself when he found out the news from Warriors’ academy manager Chim Gale after finishing a day at Bromsgrove School.

“I didn’t expect it,” Lawrence said.

“I saw Chim just after school one day and he told me.

“It was a nice thing to hear but also nerve-racking as there are a lot of players out there that are good enough to be at that camp.”

Lawrence got the chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Chris Robshaw, Mike Brown and Ben Youngs who have won more than 200 caps between them.

“It was an extremely good experience to be around top-class players and coaches, like Eddie, and just get a feel for what that was like as that is the pinnacle of English rugby,” Lawrence said.

“I went from watching players that I have looked up to over the past four or five years to all of a sudden training with them and hanging out with them,” Lawrence said.

“It was very surreal but you take it in your stride when you are there as you can’t be seen to be star-struck by it all.

“I really enjoyed it.”

Lawrence’s Warriors team-mates tighthead prop Nick Schonert, hooker Jack Singleton and centre Ben Te’o also attended the training camp.

“Having Ben there made it easier as I could talk to him about things and when I was training with him in the centres it was good to have someone I had played with a bit before,” Lawrence said.

“He is a really class player and it is really good to be learning off him.”

Lawrence who made three showings for Warriors last term said he also received advice from national boss Jones.

And the talented back insisted he was now eager to prove he was worthy of a return to the international fold in the future.

“Eddie said similar things to what the coaches had said to me here,” Lawrence said.

“There are a few areas in my defence that I have got to work on and to just keep working harder in the gym on my fitness and pay attention to small things on and off the field.”

Lawrence added: “Once you are there (training with England) you don’t want to not be selected again but Eddie has got a lot of players to choose from and he will give you an opportunity once you are ready.

“I have got to start by proving that at the club by playing well for them and then whatever happens, happens from there.

“(My ambitions) are the same as any kid in rugby. They want to play for their country and do the best they can for their club.

“I think this is where I have got to start. This is where I am going to be picked week in, week out so if I work hard here and perform on a Saturday then hopefully I will get my chance.”