Northampton wing Ben Cohen believes his recall to the England squad is down to his rediscovered love for the game. Cohen, 27, struggled last season but after scoring six tries for Saints this term, he is back in coach Andy Robinson's squad for the autumn Tests.
"I saw rugby as just a job last year and one I did not enjoy," he said.
"But now I am enjoying it because it is a sport I love and this is the best I have been coached. I am surprised and chuffed to hear the news."
Cohen, who last played for England against Ireland earlier this year, suffered last season as Northampton endured a torrid Premiership campaign.
Director of rugby Alan Solomons was sacked in November after a run of eight straight defeats and Saints just managed to avoid relegation at the end of the season.
Cohen then took himself off the stand-by list for the Lions tour to New Zealand in the summer to have a complete break from the game.
The rest seems to have done him the world of good and with Budge Pountney and Paul Grayson now in charge at Franklin's Gardens, he has had a new lease of life.
Cohen scored two tries in the Powergen Cup win over Worcester, a last-minute try to help Northampton beat London Irish in the Premiership and then a hat-trick in the European Challenge Cup win over Viadana on Saturday.
"The set-up here has been brilliant and the stuff we are doing is great," Cohen added.
"We have got a bunch of players here who are willing to learn and have a great work ethic. They are always doing extras.
"Saints are far from the complete and finished outfit but we are playing a lot better than we did last year and it is nice to a part of that.
"I have not scored tries like I have this season for a long time and it is such a confidence boost, especially to score the third at the weekend.
"But I cannot take the credit myself; all the boys have been helping me just as we all help each other."
And Grayson admits that he has seen a different Cohen in action for Northampton this campaign.
"Ben's place in the 30-man squad is recognition for his performances on the field," he said. "He is in great form and is clearly enjoying himself.
"Ben had a break from the game in the summer for the first time in many years.
"The club was not a happy environment for him at times last season but he came back in the summer genuinely enthusiastic; he trained hard and he has been one of the shining examples for the younger players of our young squad."
Meanwhile, Gloucester winger James Simpson-Daniel was gutted to be left out of the 30-man squad.
"Naturally, I am very disappointed not to be involved," he said.
"I would have loved the chance, but all I can do now is play as well as I can for Gloucester and concentrate on that.
"I have not played many matches so I am still finding my best form - I think I am getting fitter and stronger all the time and just have to string games together."
MMIX
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Naturally, I am very disappointed not to be involved