England lock Ollie Chessum insists he is thrilled to be in Steve Borthwick’s World Cup squad after overcoming horror ankle injury

The gloom with which England entered this World Cup does not apply to Ollie Chessum. For the Leicester lock it is already a personal triumph to reach France.

As Steve Borthwick’s struggling side begin training today at their tournament base in Le Touquet, on the English Channel, 22-year-old Chessum will enjoy being involved. He feared he would not be ready after suffering a broken ankle in training during the final stages of the Six Nations in March.

His recovery has been a phenomenal feat of resilience in the face of adversity and has given the national team a boost – a boost much needed in light of their difficult run-up to this event. The damage Chessum suffered was painful for him and horrifying for those around him to witness.

“It was a bizarre training incident,” he said. “I was tackled from behind, which trapped my foot. At first I thought I rolled it, but as I rolled over, the guys around me all turned away.

“That’s when I knew I had to take a look, but my foot wasn’t where it should be. It dawned on me that I wouldn’t be playing rugby for at least the next few months. Now that this was ahead, it all got a little more exciting, I think, but now it’s all good.’

As with any player who sustains a serious injury during a World Cup year, Chessum immediately tried to calculate how the post-surgery rehabilitation phase would fit into the pre-tournament timetable. At first it didn’t look promising at all.

“When I got the injury, one of the first things I thought was, ‘That could be my World Cup,'” he said. “I was quite emotional. Getting back in time was always the goal, but we knew it was coming close. I spoke to the surgeons and they said it would take four to six months. That would be – barring setbacks – a semi-realistic goal.

“I went back to the club and got everything I needed to get back into shape. I just got on with it. There were days when I thought I wouldn’t make it, but that’s all part of it. And it flew by. I didn’t find it grueling, I just found it a learning experience. Chances are I will experience something similar again. Don’t touch wood, hopefully.”

While Chessum’s family was devastated by this setback for one of the brothers who both play for Leicester, they were lifted by younger brother Lewis who led England to the semi-finals of the Under-20 World Cup. “That was a proud moment,” said Ollie. ‘Then they were just as proud when I was announced in the World Cup squad.’

The fact that Borthwick chose Chessum in his 33-man squad after being sidelined for so long reflects his high regard for an imposing rookie, whose rise he oversaw when in charge of the Tigers. It also reflected Chessum’s thrilling exploits in a tough Six Nations campaign for England.

“I realize I’m very lucky to have been selected as I haven’t played rugby for six months,” he said. “There are some great players who could have passed me. I’m lucky that the coaches have faith in me and I can’t thank them enough for the support.

“I was in constant contact with Steve and my coaches at Leicester, who are now coaches here. I am extremely grateful and now I hope I can pay them back.

“I enjoyed that Six Nations, it was the first time I felt I was making an impact and the injury ended that. I hope to pick up where I left off.’

England needs him. Their three losses in four warm-up races in August cast doubt on the peloton’s functioning. Their fixed platform was unstable, their racing game was largely nullified and their influence in contact was not enough.

Borthwick hastily strives to give his side more punch and purpose. After adding more volume during his rehab phase, Chessum is ready to take up the call to arms.