Rowntree is close to 400 appearances for the Tigers

"We were having a drink celebrating beating London Irish when 'Robbo' contacted me," said the 35-year-old.

"But the chance to play for England again was too good to turn down.

"By no means did I think I would be going given my lack of involvement since the Lions tour of New Zealand last summer."

Had Matt Stevens and Andrew Sheridan not suffered season-ending injuries, it is unlikely 52 times-capped Rowntree would have been required down under.

Coaching is my new career, and I will play when I am needed Graham Rowntree

"I didn't have a problem with that," he said. "England are looking to develop younger props, so I wasn't expecting to tour.

"But you have got a blend of guys looking to make the next World Cup, and a band who have played a bit and want to do it for their country while they still can. I think I fit into the latter category."

Rowntree, who will pack down at Twickenham on Saturday as Leicester target a record seventh Premiership title against Sale, admits next year's World Cup "is a tall order for me".

"Being realistic, it is out of my sights, but I would never say I wasn't available," he added.

"I am looking for a player-coach role next year. Coaching is my new career, and I will play when I am needed.

"I will still be playing next year, but not as often - I am not ready to finish playing completely.

We have been trying to find weaknesses in Sale, and we can't Graham Rowntree

"The difference between being 33 and 35 is huge. You pick up niggles, and you can't do as much in the days before a game.

"My best mate Darren Garforth is still playing at the age of 40, but I haven't got it in me to do that."

Rowntree's immediate focus is on helping the Tigers regain the league crown they relinquished in 2002 after four successive titles.

Victory would also erase memories of high-profile failures this season in a Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat against Bath and Powergen Cup semi-final loss to Wasps.

"Sale can play more than any other team in this competition," warned Rowntree. "We have been trying to find weaknesses, and we can't.

"For us, we cannot have the complacency that maybe we've had before some of the other big games this season."