By Mark Orlovac

Chuter quit the sport in 2000 to go travelling to Australia and America

England hooker George Chuter says his side must not get caught up in the emotion of Saturday's historic clash with Ireland at Croke Park in Dublin.

England are set to play at the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association for the first time and Chuter told BBC Sport: "It is vital we do not lose focus.

"The whole occasion is going to be against us and it is important we keep our focus within our tight bubble.

"It is a very special place but we must keep our minds on what we are doing."

The 30-year-old is poised to earn his ninth cap after making his England debut against Australia last summer.

And he says he is relishing the prospect of taking on Ireland at Croke Park in a game laden with historical significance.

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"I am really excited," he added. "I have been thinking about this game before the Six Nations started.

"Now I have been selected for the team, the excitement is building and I just want to get out there - it is going to be a fantastic occasion.

"The build-up is to be expected. It is a momentous occasion, the venue is such a significant one for Irish people.

"I think the Irish team will have a third leg on them with the crowd behind them. They will certainly be up for it.

"Saturday will be one of those days you play rugby for. It is a massive occasion against a good team in their own backyard, and everything is stacked against you.

In professional sport you very much live in the moment and I am just enjoying the way it's going George Chuter

"We are underdogs, well and truly. There will be 83,000 people in a fantastic stadium and you can't ask for any more in any sport, let alone my humble sport of rugby union."

Chuter is in pole position to be England's starting hooker at this year's World Cup following the injury to Northampton's Steve Thompson.

And it has been a massive journey for the Croydon-raised front rower who quit the sport when at Saracens in 2000 to go travelling to Australia and America.

He then joined Leicester but, with the likes of Richard Cockerill and then Dorian West also in the squad, Chuter struggled to become established as the first-choice hooker at Welford Road.

At one stage Chuter found himself on the bench for the Tigers second team but he has resurrected his career over the last two years to make the Leicester number two shirt his own.

"In those days, my darkest days, I wasn't sure if I would get to this stage at all," he said.

"This is what I have always wanted to do. This is pretty near the pinnacle of my profession, there is not much above playing for your country.

"Hopefully I am now starting to play my real game. Up until now I have still been adjusting to international rugby and I am now wanting to really step up a bit.

"In professional sport you very much live in the moment and I am just enjoying the way it's going and enjoying where the team is heading."

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