The Harlequins forward made his England debut earlier this year and has replaced Lawrence Dallaglio as first-choice No.8 at this World Cup. His energetic, sure-handed displays since have kept him there.

Easter was Harlequins' player of the year in 2005 and 2006 and has been a solid presence for England at the back of the scrum.

A Dire Straits and Killers fan, Easter became the first England number eight to score four tries in a match when his side defeated Wales this summer.