Saracens starlet Maro Itoje has been told he has a shot of being thrown straight into England’s World Cup warm-up games should he stand out for his club in their quest for Aviva Premiership Rugby glory over the next two weeks.

The former England Under-20 captain has vaulted onto the domestic stage this year – notably skippering Saracens to LV= Cup final success – and made a worthy nominee for the Land Rover Discovery of the Season at the Aviva Premiership Awards on Wednesday night.

That gong ultimately went to Exeter Chiefs back Henry Slade, but little was going to spoil Itoje’s mood having been selected for England’s World Cup 50-man training squad earlier in the day.

It is his first senior call-up but Stuart Lancaster and company had already rewarded his fine form this year, after being a part of the England Saxons squad that beat Irish Wolfhounds in January.

And though the 20-year-old is the youngest member of England’s training party, he has been made aware that he is not just a camp body.

England face the Barbarians on May 31 – though Itoje will not be involved should Saracens make the Aviva Premiership Rugby final – and he is determined to make the most of his opportunity.

“It’s a dream come true, I found out about the call-up on Tuesday night, (England forwards coach) Graham Rowntree called me,” said Itoje. “I am really happy and chuffed to get the call.

“I knew my name was being thrown about but I didn’t know if it was just being talked about or I was actually going to be in the squad, I’m really excited.

“He told me that I was in and part of seven locks in the squad, and he said if I perform in the next few games I’ll give myself a chance (of being involved).

“I hope I can hit the ground running. You do not get these opportunities very often so I intend to make the most out of it.”

Harlequins’ Jack Clifford, Jack Nowell of Exeter and Wasps centre Elliot Daly also made the Land Rover Discovery of the Season shortlist after similarly exciting seasons.

Slade, Nowell and Daly will be arriving at the England training camp with Itoje, who insists he is happy to shift between the second and back row.

He added: “I enjoy playing at lock and six, I don’t really see the need to pigeon-hole myself into one or the other.

“I am happy to comply with whatever the coach sees as my best position.”

The winner of the Land Rover Discovery of The Season award was announced at the Premiership Rugby Awards on May 20th. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal